Linda Thorup ’82
Yadkinville, NC
Eleanor Corneilson Rice ’50
Linda’s family connections to Guilford and Quaker heritage run deep. Linda’s mother, Eleanor Corneilson Rice ’50, aunt, Janice Corneilson Warner ’55, sister, Lisa Rice Hayes ’80, and husband, Don Thorup ’81, each represent links in the network of Guilford alumni supporting the school’s history and future mission. Linda shares some of the experiences that continue to give her a deep appreciation for the impact Guilford has had on her life.
Linda and Don Thorup, 1980.
Did a family member influence you to enroll at Guilford?
Yes, my mother, aunt, and sister all influenced my decision. My grandparents, who were Quaker, encouraged both of their daughters to enroll in a Quaker college. Though they grew up in the Albany, NY, area, both chose Guilford. My mother maintained many close relationships with Guilford after graduating. In fact, Clyde Milner, who was the President at the time, mailed a letter of admission to both my sister and to me when we were born. We grew up knowing that Guilford already felt like a home away from home.
What were the major areas of study for family members?
We covered many different areas of study! My mother studied Foreign Languages, particularly French and Spanish, my aunt’s degree was in Psychology, my sister majored in Math, my husband studied Business and my degree was in Art.
Linda and Dr. Harvey Ljung, 1982.
Are there any through lines of Quaker tenets (integrity, equality, simplicity, community, peace, and stewardship of the Earth) that have shaped your life?
In addition to my deep appreciation for the Quaker principles, I have native American heritage as well. These blend to support an innate respect for land and nature. Our property in Yadkinville allows many opportunities to care for and protect the surrounding natural areas. Our family is diverse, and equality is a guiding foundational principle for us. Stewardship also plays a role as we have continued to support Guilford through serving in the Alumni Association, on the Board of Trustees, and on the Board of Advisors for the Center for Principled Problem Solving.
My professional experience as an interior designer has also provided stewardship opportunities since my retirement. I enjoyed being a part of the reimagination and design of new Commons Ground spaces in Hege Library. The commitment to stewarding resources through reuse of existing furniture really spurred a lot of creativity among the team. The maker spaces, technology options, tutoring, and open areas are designed to support the current generation of students.
Linda and Marko, 2015.
Tell me about Marko, your more recent connection to Guilford.
Our family hosted foreign students while our children were in high school. Our first two students were from Germany. Our third student, Marko Mandalinic ’15, was from Bosnia. At the time, options for teenagers were limited in Bosnia due to ongoing civil unrest. Marko was on the Bosnian Junior National Soccer Team. He spent a year with us while attending high school and then attended Guilford College, graduating with a degree in Computing Technology & Information Systems. Marko was a part of the Guilford soccer team as well. He is now a naturalized citizen and remains a valued part of our family.
Are there any experiences from your time at Guilford, with friends, faculty, study or work experiences, that have impacted your life in a positive way?
Yes, Theresa Hammond ’81 and I attended Guilford at the same time. She’s the former Guilford College Art Gallery Curator. During my time as a student, I worked with Terry for the Art Department, helping to organize and set up for visiting artists and new exhibitions. The skills I developed at that time were crucial to my future career in ways that I didn’t even imagine at the time.
I chose to major in Art at Guilford but was interested in applying art to business. I was able to add some design classes to my curriculum through a collaborative agreement with UNCG. I completed an internship in Old Salem focused on exhibit design, as well as an internship in New York for academic credit. Guilford ensured that I had an individualized portfolio when I graduated as well as strong communication and problem-solving skills. This led to a career in design that spanned more than forty years. I was fortunate enough to work with a terrific team and build a successful interior design business with a talented partner.
Why is it important for Guilford to continue its focus on ethical leadership and interdisciplinary study in this ever-changing world?
Ethical leadership is increasingly needed, and a Guilford education provides a solid foundation in collaborative decision-making and respectful communication that supports success for all involved. My husband Don’s career included significant international travel and building relationships with a wide range of people from different backgrounds. The Quaker guiding principles taught us both how to interact with and respect those who are different. They also taught us how to value others and problem-solve with effective and respectful conversation. One tenet stands out as a personal touchstone – my Guilford education focused on how to think, not what to think. That understanding has guided my life and led to a deep appreciation for what Guilford College can offer.