By Katy Maggart—
MUNCIE, IN— The Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce Mr. Thomas Kinghorn has been selected as the recipient of the 2024 Legacy Award. The award will be presented at the Legacy Dinner on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at Horizon Convention Center.
“Tom Kinghorn is very worthy of this Chamber honor. He is an incredible human being. The many ways he has served our community over the years is a wonderful example of how we should all strive to serve others, and we are honored to present this award to him this year,” said Chamber President/CEO Elizabeth Rowray.
The Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce Legacy Award is presented annually to an individual or individuals who have made extraordinary, sustained, and positive contributions to the Muncie-Delaware County community at large, and who has provided leadership in the development of programs, events, and/or new traditions that promote goodwill and community pride.
Stephen Brand, the current chairman of the Chamber’s Board of Directors said, “Tom Kinghorn served Ball State University for over 40 years developing an organized systematic and inviting future for campus growth. Since his retirement from Ball State, Kinghorn and his associates have worked tirelessly to launch the Cradle to Career initiative, working to help ensure children are kindergarten-ready. He is a dedicated servant to our community and is very deserving of the Chamber’s Legacy Award.”
Kinghorn served in a variety of positions during his 47 years of service at Ball State University including from 2009 to 2014, as Executive Assistant to the President for Commercialization and Community Engagement, and as Vice President for Business Affairs and Treasurer from 1980 to 2009. He served in a variety of other capacities at the University starting in 1966, including 10 years as the University’s representative to the Indiana General Assembly.
He is an alumnus of Ball State University, receiving his B. S. in Business Administration in 1965 and his M.A. in Business Administration (Management) in 1966. His primary areas of responsibility at Ball State University included all finance, budget, business services and operations, state and federal governmental relations, human resources, auxiliary services, facilities master planning, building construction, and facilities management. He was a member of the Ball State University Foundation Board of Directors for 32 years, Treasurer of the Ball State University Board of Trustees for 29 years, and served in the administrations of nine University presidents including Presidents John Emens, John Pruis, Jerry Anderson, Robert Bell, John Worthen, Blaine Brownell, Jo Ann Gora, and Acting Presidents Richard Burkhardt and Beverly Pitts.
Kinghorn is now the President and CEO of the George and Frances Ball Foundation, a position he has held since 2018.
The Legacy Dinner will be hosted on Saturday, September 28 at Horizon Convention Center in Downtown Muncie. Presenting Sponsor, Open Door Health Services.
For information about sponsorship opportunities or to make a reservation visit munciechamber.org.
