A towering presence on the San Francisco State University campus stands Thornton Hall. Its nine stories reach for the sky a testament to the legacy within. This isn’t just any building. It’s a monument to Robert Ambrose Thornton. He was a brilliant physicist. He was also the university’s first Black dean of science.
Thornton Hall wasn’t always Thornton Hall. Built in 1972 it received its name in 1981. President Paul F Romberg spearheaded the renaming. He wanted to honor Thornton’s extraordinary contributions. Thornton’s impact extended far beyond the walls of this building.
Imagine a young Robert Thornton accompanying his mother. She was a midwife. They visited affluent white homes in Houston Texas. Young Robert explored his clients’ libraries. He absorbed knowledge and ideas. He developed a thirst for learning. This early exposure fueled his later academic pursuits. He even considered a career in the arts. He was a bass singer offered an audition for the Broadway hit “Shuffle Along”. Ultimately science and education won out. His perspective however remained unique. He believed scientists and poets share similar qualities. He viewed science as a creative endeavor.
Thornton’s academic journey was impressive. He earned a B S in Mathematics and Physics from Howard University. He then received an M S from Ohio State University and a Ph D from the University of Minnesota. His career spanned decades and numerous institutions including historically Black universities. He even corresponded with Albert Einstein. Their nine-year exchange cemented a unique friendship.
Thornton joined San Francisco State University in 1956. He became a physics professor. He specialized in theoretical mechanics and astrodynamics. In 1963 he became the first Black faculty member appointed chairman of the Division of Natural Sciences. The following year he became dean of the School of Natural Science. He retired in 1969 but continued teaching at the University of San Francisco.
Thornton Hall stands as a tribute to a remarkable individual. Robert Ambrose Thornton was a visionary. He was a pioneer. He was a champion of education and science. His legacy continues to inspire students and faculty alike. As you stand before Thornton Hall remember the extraordinary life it commemorates. A life dedicated to breaking barriers and challenging conventions. A life that made a profound and lasting impact.