Thomas to receive honorary degree and deliver address at Honors Convocation

Hall of Fame running back Thurman Thomas will receive a State University of New York (SUNY) honorary degree from Buffalo State University and deliver the keynote address at the 69th Annual Honors Convocation on Thursday, April 16, at 12:15 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center at Rockwell Hall.

The honorary doctorate degree is the highest form of recognition offered by SUNY to persons of exceptional distinction. Its purpose is to recognize those whose lives and significant achievements are widely known and highly regarded.

Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Thomas is no stranger to hard work. After earning two First Team All-American selections at Oklahoma State University, he was chosen by the Buffalo Bills in the 1988 NFL Draft. 

In 12 seasons with the Bills, he won the 1991 NFL MVP Award, the 1991 NFL Offensive Player of the Year Award, four consecutive AFC championships, and made five Pro Bowl appearances. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008. 

A fan of the Bills and Sabres, Thomas is an active member of the Buffalo community. As the president of 34 Group—a local construction and engineering firm that he operates with his wife, Patti—he is grateful to be in a position to give back to the city that has given so much to him. As co-founders of the Thurman Thomas Family Foundation (TTFF), he and Patti create important opportunities for people in our communities by spreading positivity and bringing resources to those who need it most. The mission of the TTFF is to make a difference through programs that support education and health and wellness.

Respect, loyalty, and humility are the foundations that he and Patti demonstrate in raising their four children, in leading their business, as well as in their service to the community.

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Top photo by Buffalo State Marketing & Communications; headshot courtesy Thomas.