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January 02, 2012

North Park Graduate Nominated by President Obama to National Library Board

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North Park Graduate Nominated by President Obama to National Library Board

Alum Nominated to Library Board by President Obama

Suzanne E. Thorin earned a bachelor's degree in music education from North Park University. (Syracuse University photo)

Suzanne Thorin C'63, earned music education degree from University

CHICAGO (March 16, 2012) – President Obama nominated Suzanne E. Thorin, a 1963 graduate of North Park College (now North Park University) to the National Museum and Library Services Board. Thorin, who holds a bachelor's degree in music education from North Park University, is currently dean of libraries and university librarian at Syracuse (N.Y.) University.

Thorin is one of three people nominated by the president to serve as an advisor to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) on general policy and practices, and on selections for the National Medal for Museum and Library Science, according to a Syracuse University news release. The board includes the IMLS director, deputy directors, and 20 members of the general public with expertise and commitment to libraries or museums, the release said. She was nominated for a term that ends in December 2015.

"These dedicated individuals bring a wealth of experience and talent to their new roles, and I am proud to have them serve in this Administration. I look forward to working with them in the months and years to come," President Obama said.

Thorin was born in and grew up in Detroit. She attended North Park College from 1959-1963. While here, she sang in the 16-voice choir at the Church of the Ascension, Chicago. After graduation from North Park, she attended the University of Michigan where she earned a master's degree in music history. Thorin returned to Chicago where she taught music for four years, first at Marshall High School and then at Senn High School.

Thorin returned to the University of Michigan for a second master's degree in library science, and moved into music librarianship and then, administration. She grew up as a member of the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC), and later became a member of United Methodist Church. North Park University is affiliated with the ECC. Her late brother David, and her sister Christina, Hoffman Estates, Ill., both graduated from North Park College. David also graduated from North Park Theological Seminary.

In her role at Syracuse, Thorin also serves as a member of the Chancellor’s Cabinet and oversees the Syracuse University Press. Previously, she was the Ruth Lilly university dean of libraries and associate vice president for digital libraries at Indiana University. Thorin was formerly chief of staff to the Librarian of Congress and the official U.S. representative for the G-7 electronic libraries project, one of eleven G-7 pilot projects for the Global Information Society.


Use @npunews to follow North Park University News on Twitter. For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, via email or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more about North Park University.

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