In the News

350 pay tribute to 'Catalyst'

By Heather Carlson

January 13, 2006

Today is 'George Thompson Day' in Rochester

In the midst of a tribute event in his honor, Diversity Council's retiring Executive Director George Thompson said he had not expected a big farewell.

"When they initially suggested this idea (of a tribute event) to me, I told them we could hold this in our office," Thompson said.

But his colleagues would not allow it. And on Thursday evening about 350 people packed a ballroom at the Kahler Grand Hotel in Rochester to honor Thompson for his 10 years leading the Diversity Council.

Throughout the evening, speakers played on the event's them of "passing the torch" and Thompson's commitment to fighting prejudice and supporting diversity through his work with the non-profit organization.

"You lit a fire in the minds of the young and the old and the not-so-young and the not-so-old," said Barbara Porter, the Diversity Council's first vice president.

"On behalf of all of us, thank you for lighting the fire."

Among those praising the retiree was 10-year-old Grant Eckhoff. He said he decided to get involved with the Diversity Council after meeting Thompson.

"George talked to me like I was an adult instead of a child and like I was smart like an adult," Grant said.

"Thank you, George, for making Rochester a better place."

The night also featured several surprises for Thompson, including a new fund created in his honor called the George B. Thompson Catalyst Fund. Through donations and a silent auction, about $8,000 was raised for the fund. The money will be used by the council for developing training, creating education programs and promoting collaboration among community members.

Rochester Mayor Ardell Brede also presented Thompson with a key to the city and proclaimed today "George Thompson Day."

"You have united individuals and the community in support of diversity, and I thank you for bringing unity through diversity," Brede said.

As the tribute wound to a close, Thompson symbolically passed a torch to the Diversity Council's new director, Kay Hocker. He is moving on to serve as chairman of the Blandin Foundation of Trustees. The foundation works to strengthen the state's rural communities through grants, public policy initiatives and leadership development.

As he thanked the audience for their support, Thompson said Rochester residents are the ones that have made the Diversity Council a success.

"You can't accomplish anything worthwhile without the help of other people," he said. "All I've been able to do is be a catalyst in the community."

© 2006 Post Bulletin. Used by permission.

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