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This year, Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) is proud to honor Henry “Hank” Thomas and Yvonne Thomas with the Excellence in Philanthropy Award at the 15th Annual Gloster Society Celebration. With a lifetime of dedicated activism, business success and philanthropy, the Thomas family’s contributions to MSM have made an indelible mark on the institution, impacting both the lives of students and the broader healthcare community. 

Born on August 29, 1941, in Jacksonville, Florida, Hank Thomas’ lifelong commitment to civil rights and social justice began at an early age. As a young boy in St. Augustine, Florida, Hank acted against racial injustices, from correcting the way a white insurance man addressed his aunt to fighting against segregated libraries. This passion for activism led him to participate in sit-ins and to become an active member of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) while attending Howard University. 

In May 1961, Hank Thomas became a pivotal figure in the Civil Rights Movement as a participant in the first Freedom Ride. After the group’s bus was attacked by a mob in Anniston, Alabama, Hank courageously continued his participation in another Freedom Ride to Jackson, Mississippi, and was subsequently arrested and incarcerated. His bravery helped shine a light on the injustices of segregation and earned him a place in history as one of the last surviving members of the original Freedom Riders. 

Alongside his activism, Hank Thomas has built a successful career in business. He serves as President of Victoria Hospitality Properties, Inc., which owns and operates several Marriott Hotel franchises, and as Vice President of the Hayon Group, Inc., which operates McDonald’s franchises. Throughout his career, Hank has also dedicated himself to serving his community, having served on the boards of several civic organizations, including the APEX Museum and 100 Black Men of DeKalb. His work with the Piney Woods School, a historic African American boarding school, further exemplifies his lifelong dedication to education and community upliftment. 

Hank and his wife, Yvonne Thomas, have been longtime supporters of Morehouse School of Medicine, including their generous $200,000 commitment to the construction of the Billye Suber Aaron Pavilion, a cornerstone of MSM’s “Expansion into the Future Initiative.” The facility is designed to foster collaboration, innovation and academic excellence among students, faculty and staff. This expansion is vital to MSM’s mission of increasing enrollment, providing state-of-the-art facilities and addressing health disparities through education and service. 

In addition to their support of MSM’s physical campus, Hank and Yvonne Thomas have significantly impacted the lives of students through the Hank J. and Yvonne Thomas Honors Scholarship. Their philanthropy has eased the financial burdens of many students, allowing them to focus on their education and pursue careers that address health disparities in underserved communities. 

 

The Hugh M. Gloster Society and the 50th Anniversary Celebration 

In recognition of the power of philanthropy, MSM established the Hugh M. Gloster Society in 2007 to honor donors who contribute $1,000 or more annually. Named after one of MSM’s esteemed founders, the Gloster Society plays a pivotal role in sustaining scholarships and advancing the institution’s mission. Hank and Yvonne Thomas are proud members of this distinguished group, demonstrating their deep commitment to the success of MSM and its students. 

This year’s 15th Annual Gloster Society Celebration will mark MSM’s 50th Anniversary with an unforgettable evening at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, featuring the Vanguard Award, the Health Equity IMPACT Awards and performances by Babyface and Doug E. Fresh. 

Learn more about the Gloster Society here. 

 

About the Author

Michael Martin is a content strategist who believes in crafting compelling stories that inspire and connect. With a pen for storytelling, he brings the journeys of future physicians to life, highlighting their impact and dedication to healthcare.

Contact

Michael Martin
Digital Content Strategist
Office of Marketing & Communications
mamartin@msm.edu