他被称为“先生”. 印第安纳波利斯,这是对任何社区成员的崇高称呼, much less an individual who resides in one of the largest cities in the United States. 然而，在76年的米尔特·汤普森(Milt Thompson)的案例中，这个术语是合适的.

他做了很多事情. 他认识很多人. 最好的消息是? 他才刚刚开始.

In recognition of Thompson’s tireless efforts to enrich his community, 他最近接受了查尔斯L. 惠斯勒奖, which honors individuals for their extraordinary public service to the 印第安纳波利斯 community. 这是一个惊人的奖项名单上的最新奖项, ranging from professional and athletic achievement to civic dedication and philanthropic leadership.

A 1998 维滕贝格体育荣誉堂 inductee as a result of his tremendous collegiate baseball career and an emeritus member of the University’s Board of Directors and 校友 Board, Thompson is quick to give credit to his alma mater for nurturing his personal and professional aspirations.

“Wittenberg gave me four unbelievable years I can’t imagine living my life without,汤普森说, who was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles after graduating from Wittenberg but chose a law career instead. “她培养了我，给了我学术, sports and arts opportunities that wouldn’t have been available to a young black man from 印第安纳波利斯. 她激励我去读法学院, 而且不是一般的法学院, but one of the best in the country – the Maurer School of Law at Indiana University in Bloomington.

“这帮助我开始了一份令人兴奋和愉快的职业. 回顾, I can say without equivocation that my experience as an All-American baseball player and student-athlete at Wittenberg boosted my confidence as a professional and convinced me I can compete with anyone.”

A successful prosecutor, Thompson has been recognized as an “Indiana Super Lawyer.” He has served the Maurer School of Law as president of both its Board of 访问ors and its alumni association, and he has been inducted into the Academy of Law 校友 Fellows.

In 1987, Thompson was General Counsel to the Pan American Games that brought athletes from 47 nations to 印第安纳波利斯, and 10 years later he was the inaugural chair of the newly created Central Indiana Community Foundation. He also served as executive director of Big Brothers and Big Sisters, 印第安纳州彩票委员会委员, 印第安纳波利斯资本改善委员会的成员, 印第旅游委员会, 和英语基金会, 他就得了那事 & Philanthropy Award by the National Center for Black Philanthropy in Washington, D.C.

Thompson is now counsel with the law firm of Bleeke Dillon Crandall and president and CEO of Grand Slam, 一个体育, 娱乐, 和娱乐规划管理咨询公司. 他是印第安纳储备银行的联合创始人, the Major League Baseball program established to revive inner cities and provide opportunities for at-risk youth to play baseball, 在印第安纳打球, 在市中心也支持青少年棒球运动.

To top it all off, Thompson is known by many sports fans in 印第安纳波利斯 simply as “the Voice.” He hosts a weekly radio show on ESPN 950 titled “Playing for Keeps,” and that show is also now available on television on WHMB 40, 以及通过电台的YouTube频道在互联网上播放.

It is kind of like every 印第安纳波利斯 community member is a cherished family member to Thompson. 在很多方面, his first in-person experience at Wittenberg set the stage for his relationship with his hometown.

“维特妈妈在我心中一直占据着特殊的位置. I didn’t know her personally until my real mother died,” Thompson said. 当她躺在临终的床上时, 她说, ”米特, 你为什么不去俄亥俄州那所不错的基督教大学?于是我和爸爸在一个星期天的下午参观了校园, 他立刻把钥匙锁在车里.

“But before we could panic, we were overwhelmed with friendly faces and offers of help. A locksmith arrived and saved the day – an almost perfect day. I’d found my new home, and it was easy to make the decision to come to Wittenberg. My Dad felt I would be taken care of, and my Mom felt peace. 这是多么正确啊.”

Thompson said he felt that warm embrace throughout his Wittenberg experience. 他用一个教授慷慨的故事来总结:

“After a class one day, my philosophy professor asked me to stay after class. He beckoned me to the window of his office to gaze upon the parking lot and a rather beat up old station wagon. “你看那辆车?他问. 我说是的，他回答说‘那是我的旧车. 你想借我用一会儿吗? 你可以把它带到任何你想去的地方. Just bring it back when you are 读y to take my logic class.我说了, and Professor Bob Long took an interest in my personal situation, 成为我的导师和朋友, 甚至还来参加我的婚礼. 他成了保护者，就像维特妈妈一样.”