For Immediate Release: August 20, 2008
Media Contact: Marketing and Communication Department
2008 Henry C. Turner Prize: Thornton Media Advisory
Charles H. Thornton
WHAT
The National Building Museum will present the 2008 Henry C. Turner Prize for Innovation in Construction Technology to Charles H. Thornton, Ph.D., P.E., co-founder of Thornton Tomasetti,Inc., the international engineering design firm and founder of the Architecture, Construction and Engineering (ACE) Mentor Program of America, on Tuesday, September 9, 2008 at 6:30 pm. There is a growing recognition within the building industry that there is a labor shortage in the fields of architecture, construction, and engineering. Through his inspirational work in founding the ACE Mentor Program, Thornton introduces high school students—the nation's future workforce—to careers in the building arts and sciences. ACE and Thornton have worked to connect students with mentors in the profession and provide college scholarships. Jury chair Norbert W. Young, Jr., FAIA, president of McGraw-Hill Construction, said, "ACE's partnership with industry professionals who collaborate to attract high school students to their professions sets Thornton and ACE apart in the effort to curb the anticipated industry workforce shortage." Peter J. Davoren, president and CEO of Turner Construction Company commended the selection, saying, "Thornton's leadership of the ACE Mentor Program is providing an impressive pool of talent for the industry for years to come. Approximately 35,000 students have had an opportunity to explore the construction industry through ACE. An additional 10,000 students are participating in the 2008-2009 school year alone. This success makes Thornton very deserving of the honor as the 2008 recipient of the Turner Prize."
Following the award ceremony, Thornton will offer a presentation about founding the ACE Mentor program and his thoughts on the future of the building industry. Young will then lead a discussion with architect Jon Pickard, Thornton, and Davoren.
WHO
Charles H. Thornton, Ph.D., P.E., co-founder, Thornton Tomasetti, Inc. and founder, ACE Mentor Program
Peter J. Davoren, president and chief executive officer, Turner Construction Company
Norbert W. Young, Jr., FAIA, president, McGraw-Hill Construction
Jon Pickard, AIA, principal, Pickard Chilton
Chase W. Rynd, president and executive director, National Building Museum
WHERE
National Building Museum
401 F Street NW
Washington, DC 20001 (Judiciary Square Metro, Red Line)
WHEN
Tuesday, September 9, 2008 / 6:30 – 8:00 pm: Award Presentation and Lecture
TICKETS
Prepaid registration required. $12 Museum members and students; $20 Non-members
To register visit www.nbm.org or call 202.272.2448.
CONTACTS
NBM: Marketing and Communications Department, 202.272.2448, ext. 3458
Turner Construction Company: Shannon Eckhart, seckhart@tcco.com, 212.229.6084
BACKGROUND
The Henry C. Turner Prize, named after the founder of Turner Construction Company, recognizes an invention, an innovative methodology, and/or exceptional leadership by an individual or team of individuals in construction technology. Since its inception in 2002, the Turner Prize has been awarded to structural engineer Leslie E. Robertson, architect I.M. Pei, engineer and builder Charles A. DeBenedittis, U.S. Green Building Council, Paul Teicholz, and, most recently, Gehry Partners and Gehry Technologies. The Prize carries a cash award of $25,000 from an endowment established by Turner Construction Company.
The National Building Museum is America’s leading cultural institution dedicated to advancing the quality of the built environment by educating people about its impact on their lives. Through its exhibitions, educational programs, online content, and publications, the Museum has become a vital forum for the exchange of ideas and information about the world we build for ourselves. Public inquiries: 202.272.2448 or visit www.nbm.org. Connect with us on Twitter: @BuildingMuseum and Facebook.
