1. Charles H. Thornton: A Life of Elegant Solutions
Charles H. Thornton: A Life of Elegant Solutions describes the journey
of renowned structural engineer, educator, and mentor Charles H. Thornton, who over
the last 30 years has engineered some of the world’s tallest and most innovative
structures. Committed to educating the next generation of architects, engineers, and
construction professionals, Thornton founded ACE, a national mentoring program for
high school students. His mantra — “Passion, Persistence, and Flexibility” — has
transcended all aspects of his career and personal life. The book is a guide for profes-
sionals seeking to succeed in business, young engineers moving up the company
ladder, graduate students facing a master’s or PhD thesis, college students coping
with the rigors of an engineering program, and high school students looking toward
college and a career. Thornton’s 15-Steps to Success help business owners to plan
and reach higher goals. His story inspires others to pursue their life’s passion and
seek their own elegant solutions to the challenges life presents — and to have fun
along the way.
The world is a more interesting and safer place to live because of the efforts
of Dr. Charles H. Thornton. Throughout his career Dr. Thornton has been
able to translate simple structural elements into unique solutions for the
construction of long span structures and high rise buildings. His leadership
role in the analysis of structural fail-
ures and his translation of knowledge
obtained from the analysis of these
events has clearly provided the public
with safer structures. Dr. Thornton has
also been a leader in the motivation
of high school students to pursue ca-
reers in engineering, architecture and
construction.
— Benjamin Franklin Medal in
Civil Engineering for 2003
from The Franklin Institute A Memoir by Charles H. Thornton, PhD PE with Amy Blades Steward
CHARLESH.THORNTON:ALifeOfElegantSolutionsCharlesH.Thornton,PhDPE