| The Thornton Athletics Student Life Center is dedicated in honor of John "Thunder" Thornton, his wife, Eileen, and their family, in recognition of the commitment they made to the establishment of this building. Their family's generous gift has funded construction of one of the most significant buildings in the University of Tennessee athletic complex. His gift to the Thornton Athletics Student Life Center project, an academic home for University of Tennessee student-athletes, reflects his belief that success starts with academics. "The University of Tennessee has to do its best to provide the atmosphere and academic assistance to the young men and women who come to school here and participate in athletics," he has said. A Blount County native, Thornton has built an impressive resume of business success and community service. A member of UT's Board of Trustees, Thornton and his family have served the University well over the years and his legacy will be reflected in the lives of each of the young student-athletes served within these walls. | 
