_Proposal-Lincoln

The Lincoln Legacy
The Lincoln legacy at Thunderbird starts at the very beginning of the story
when John C. Lincoln joined a small group of visionaries in the Valley to
develop a school focused exclusively on international trade and global
relations. The goal was to train leaders who would set a path toward global
peace and economic prosperity, leaders who would change the world for the
better. Thunderbird was established in April 1946 and today has over 45,000
alumni globally carrying forth the mission to be ethical global leaders who
create sustainable prosperity worldwide. This vision is more vital today than
ever before.
Incredible individuals have left their mark on the Thunderbird School of Global
Management during its 73 year history – business leaders, diplomats, scholars,
practitioners, visionaries, innovators, humanitarians and philanthropists.
David Lincoln was clearly someone who embodied all of these attributes as
he advanced the vision of his father and fellow founders to develop ethical
global leaders. That core value remains a strength of the School today and is
evidenced at commencement where every Thunderbird graduate pledges an
oath that embraces the Lincoln legacy dedicated to instilling the value of ethics
and global citizenship in all Thunderbirds. That legacy ensures that being a
Thunderbird is synonymous with the highest levels of integrity and character
worldwide. Upon graduation, Thunderbirds step out into the world as ethical
global citizens.
David and Joan Lincoln were also foundational supporters of Thunderbird’s
need to grow and evolve. They were named sponsors of Thunderbird’s
first computer center, and contributed to every other major infrastructure
development the School undertook during David’s long tenure as a Trustee,
culminating in the Joan & David Lincoln Wing in the Herberger Administration
and Classroom Building.