Trustees Emeriti

Served from 2014 to 2025

William D. “Bill” Thorndike, Jr., a third-generation Rogue Valley resident, was born on December 15, 1953, and passed away on February 14, 2025, while vacationing with his wife Angela at their cottage on Whidbey Island, Washington.

An inaugural member of the Board of Trustees of Southern Oregon University, Bill also served as the first chair of the board at its inception in 2015. Reelected by his peers to two more terms as chair, the university and the board benefited greatly from his leadership. Bill was twice reappointed to the SOU Board of Trustees by the Oregon governor and served dutifully until his passing in February 2025. He was the 1996 recipient of the SOU President’s Medal – recipients of the medal are recognized for their exemplary service to the university and community, and for demonstrating compassion, integrity, generosity, leadership and courage. He also served as a member of the SOU Foundation Board of Trustees. Named for the Thorndike family, the Thorndike Art Gallery at SOU is indicative of the indelible mark he left on the university.