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Our mission
Fostering the enlightenment of effective and principled governance reflective of the lifelong public service career of Dick Thornburgh.
Lecture Series
One hallmark of Dick Thornburgh’s distinguished career was his commitment to good governance. Building on that legacy, the Dick Thornburgh Forum regularly sponsors programs focused on effective government that advances the good of the people.
Launched in 1970 by Robert G. Hazo to “enlighten the public’s political discourse.” Since then, it has provided a platform for nearly 100 distinguished speakers to share their ideas with Pitt students, faculty, and staff and with members of the broader community.
In 2003, Dick and Ginny Thornburgh received the Henry B. Betts Award, honoring their efforts that had significantly improved the quality of life for people with disabilities. They donated the financial award accompanying that honor to create this annual lecture.
The Dick Thornburgh Forum for Law & Public Policy was established in 2007 at the University of Pittsburgh. It is housed under the Institute of Politics and provides good governance and disability-related programming as well as student and faculty awards. The Dick Thornburgh Archive Papers are held by the University's Hillman Library where thousands of original papers are available for research purposes in addition to a vast online archive.
Mark Nordenberg
The Dick Thornburgh Forum for Law & Public Policy's mission of fostering public education and civic action on important public policy issues is under the direction of Chancellor Emeritus Mark Nordenberg. Nordenberg also serves as the Chair of the Institute of Politics.
Student Awards and Grants
The $5,000 Dick Thornburgh Forum Disability Award is available annually to a University of Pittsburgh student whose service has made a difference in the lives of children or adults with disabilities.
The $5,000 Dick Thornburgh Prize for Legal Service is available annually to a graduating Pitt Law School student who has provided legal assistance to low-income individuals through a legal services organization in law school and intends to continue in such service.
The $5,000 J. Evans Rose, Jr. Prize for Government Service is available annually to a graduating Pitt Law School student whose goal is to pursue a career in government service.