A Celebration of the Life and Legacy of Dick Thornburgh
Video links for this event:
Introductions and Keynote Panel Session IPanel Session II
On Saturday, October 15, 2022 from 1:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. the University of Pittsburgh hosted a program celebrating some of Dick Thornburgh’s most significant achievements, including his determined advocacy as U.S. Attorney General on behalf of the Americans with Disabilities Act and his calming leadership as Pennsylvania Governor during the Three Mile Island nuclear crisis. This event displayed his remarkable career and years of dedicated service to the public good and was captured by video as per the links above.
The program celebrated his legacy and was titled, “Learning from a Life Well Lived.” Dick Thornburgh's leadership qualities were highlighted – including integrity, discipline, vision, humility, and compassion – through a discussion of topics that he found critical to advancing our democracy.
The Honorable Andrew H. Card, Jr., former Chief of Staff to President George W. Bush, former U.S. Secretary of Transportation, and a 20-year friend and colleague of Dick Thornburgh, delivered the event’s keynote address. David Thornburgh, whose own career has been devoted to good governance, moderated the panel of speakers who included:
Chuck Rosenberg, Former U.S. Attorney, former high-ranking FBI and DEA official, and National Legal Commentator
Raymond Scheppach, former Executive Director, National Governors Association
Richard Lunak, CEO, Innovation Works
John Baer, Columnist, The Harrisburg Patriot-News/Penn Live
John Wodatch, Former Chief Disability Rights Section of the Civil Rights Division. United States Department of Justice
Michael Missal, Inspector General, Department of Veteran Affairs
These conversations with respected leaders brought out not only what Dick Thornburgh accomplished, but how he accomplished it, and how it continutes to impact our society for the future. This program was sponsored by the Dick Thornburgh Forum for Law & Public Policy, which is part of the Institute of Politics, and the Office of the Chancellor of the University of Pittsburgh.
This program was held at the University Club on the University of Pittsburgh campus.
A Memorial Service was held at Shadyside Presbyterian Church on Sunday, October 16, 2022 at 3:00 p.m.
Message from the Governor
The Forum was established at the late Dick Thornburgh’s Law School alma mater, the University of Pittsburgh. In connection with the Dick Thornburgh Papers held by the University's Hillman Library, the Forum reflects his experiences in public life. It is in intended to foster discourse on issues vital to the preservation of our democratic system and the Rule of Law upon which that system depends.
Special thanks are due to Chancellor Emeritus Mark Nordenberg who serves as the Director of the Dick Thornburgh Forum and has been unstinting in support of this effort since its inception. In addition, many others have provided time, resources and dedication to this undertaking.
