ORLANDO C. THORNTON

A Scholar, Soldier, and Financial Agent

There is no finer example of achievement through education, service, and professionalism than Orlando Cecil Thornton. His legacy is his impact on his community and profession. He is a credit to his Faith, Race and Nation.

A Son of Pittsburgh

Born in 1893, Mr. Thornton is a product of the soil of Pennsylvania, having been a legal resident of the City of Pittsburgh for a period exceeding thirty years. He received his early training in the primary, grammar, and high schools of that city. However, possessed of a thirst for higher knowledge, he sought to write his name upon the scroll of higher education.

Scholar

He is a graduate of the School of Economics & Business Administration of the University of Pittsburgh, class of 1920, earning the degree of Bachelor of Science in Economics. In his quest for thoroughness to the nth power, he has done special work in Economics at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, and further special work in Law School. He is also a member of the International Accountants' Society, headquarters in Chicago, holding the degree of "Incorporated Accountant, " earned in 1919.

Soldier

When the stars and stripes called for defenders, Mr. Thornton answered with the highest measure of patriotism. A World War Veteran, he distinguished himself as a 1st Sergeant in the 351st Field Artillery. He holds a verified record of Overseas Service and Battle Engagement. Mr. Thornton did not wait to be compelled to duty; he served voluntarily, risking his life for the good of the Nation and the maintenance of the Government.

Howard University Professor

Following the war, he turned his attention to the instruction of the Race's youth. From 1920 to 1925, he served as Instructor in Finance, Accounting & Business Organization at Howard University. In this connection, it is interesting to note the volume of his industry; in the year just closed alone, he taught 129 students. His work was of such caliber as to elicit enthusiastic and favorable comment each year from both faculty members and the student-body alike.

Financial Agent

Having concluded his tenure at Howard University, Mr. Thornton returned to his native Pittsburgh. There, he established himself as a Financial Agent, offering Tax Services and Pension Claims for Black Veterans and their families.

Securing licenses from the Federal Government (U.S. Treasury and U.S Pension) Mr. Thornton avoided the discrimination of State Licensing Boards, that plagued most Black professionals. He brings to his community the same "Scholarship and Service" for accuracy that defined his academic and military careers.

Mr. Thornton is a professed Christian and Church Member. In him, we see a man of wide experience and profound preparation—an inspiration to those struggling onward and upward toward success.