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Thorson, James A., 1946-2020

 Person

Biography

James A. Thorson was a member of the faculty of the College of Education at the University of Nebraska at Omaha from 1977 until 2010. He was hired to be the first academic coordinator of the fledgling Gerontology Program, and he became its first director/chair two years later. Through his efforts, the program transitioned from reliance on grant funds to state funds with tenure-eligible faculty. He was also instrumental in establishing a graduate degree with the program. The Gerontology Program was upgraded to the Department of Gerontology in 1985, and Thorson served as chair of the department until 2007, when he stepped down to enter a three-year partial retirement program. He published extensively in the field.

Jim Thorson was born in Chicago, IL. He received a B.S. (1967) from the University of Northern Illinois in DeKalb, IL, an M.S. from the University of North Carolina, and a Ph.D. (1975) from the University of Georgia. In 1991, Professor Thorson received the UNO Award for Distinguished Research or Creative Activity.

He passed away on May 23, 2020, at age 73, survived by his wife Judy.

Found in 3 Collections and/or Records:

Jim Thorson Papers

 Collection — Box 1
Identifier: UNO-0120
Scope and Contents

The Jim Thorson Papers is comprised of correspondence and printed material dated from about 1980 until about 1997. This collection has not yet been further arranged or described.

Dates: 1980-1997
Found in: University of Nebraska at Omaha Archives & Special Collections / Jim Thorson Papers

Ophelia Hayden House Photographs, circa 1926

 File — Box unnumbered
Scope and Contents

Two photographs of the OphePhilia Hayden house located at 200 Elmwood Road, circa 1926. Matted in a single frame.

Dates: circa 1926
Found in: University of Nebraska at Omaha Archives & Special Collections / UNO-0012, UNO Photograph Collection

Reflections in Time: Interview with James (Jim) Thorson, 2002

 Item
Identifier: UNO-0021-rfit-james-thorson
Scope and Contents

In November of 2002, Jim Thorson, University of Nebraska at Omaha Professor (1977-2010) of Gerontology, was interviewed by Jack Newton for Reflections in Time. Professor Jim Thorson was born in Chicago, IL. He received a B.S. (1967) from the University of Northern Illinois in DeKalb, IL, an M.S. from the University of North Carolina, and a Ph.D. (1975) from the University of Georgia. In 1991, Professor Thorson received the UNO Award for Distinguished Research or Creative Activity.

Dates: 2002
Found in: University of Nebraska at Omaha Archives & Special Collections / UNO-0021, UNO Media Collection / UNO Interview Series / Reflections in Time

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