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AUM College of Business set to welcome Why Not Win Institute with Ribbon Cutting, Open House
AUM College of Business set to welcome Why Not Win Institute with ribbon cutting, open house
WHO: Larry D. Thornton Sr., Montgomery native, co-founder and board chair of the Why Not Win Institute (WNWI), and Birmingham’s first Black McDonald’s franchise owner.
WHAT: An open house celebrating WNWI’s new office on the AUM campus. Guests can tour the office, meet Thornton and the WNWI staff and learn about the institute’s plans for the future. The event is free and open to the public.
WHEN: Ribbon cutting on Tuesday, Oct. 20, from 1 p.m. - 1:45 p.m., with guided tours of office and book signing to follow
WHERE: Clement Hall, second floor (home of the AUM College of Business)
Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery, Ala.
WHY: Thornton’s appointment brings his business expertise to AUM students and gives WNWI a home base in his hometown to reach more students, educators and professionals across the River Region. WNWI is a nonprofit that teaches leadership, career readiness and personal growth through the principles in Thornton’s 2019 autobiography, “Why Not Win?”: People, Perception and Perseverance. It currently offers college readiness, business fundamentals, career guidance and personal branding programs. WNWI and the College of Business began working together in September with The College Immersion Experience, a college readiness program for high school students.
RSVP: Here, or contact LaShana Sorrell (601-520-4522 or info@whynotwininstitute.org)
About the Speaker
Larry D. Thornton, Sr. is an artist, entrepreneur, author, and servant leader whose journey from Montgomery, Alabama, to America’s boardrooms inspired the creation of the Why Not Win Institute. After beginning his career as an art teacher, Larry transitioned into the corporate world, ultimately making history as the first Black McDonald’s franchise owner in Alabama and serving as president of Thornton Enterprises, Inc.
He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, Inc. and First Commercial Bank (Synovus), bringing his expertise in business strategy, leadership, and community development.
Larry’s acclaimed book, Why Not Win?, chronicles his 50-year journey from the segregated South to corporate leadership and provides the foundation for the Institute’s leadership development curriculum. Named CEO of the Year (2019) by the Birmingham Business Journal, Larry continues to shape business and community life through civic leadership, mentorship, and advocacy.
A passionate artist and philanthropist, Larry creates limited-edition artwork and invests in initiatives that inspire others to achieve excellence, lead with purpose, and “win” in life and business.Auburn University at Montgomery
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