Very Rev. Thomas M. Condon, O.P., Prior Provincial of the Southern Province, presents the St. Martin de Porres Award to Dr. Cynthia A. Thomas, O.P.A.

At the Southern Dominican Province November gala, Dominican President Dr. Cynthia A. Thomas received the 2018 St. Martin de Porres Award. The award recognizes individuals who are dedicated to the mission of the Dominican Order and who emulate St. Martin’s spirit of compassion, mercy, and the search for truth.

For Dr. Thomas, a Dominican Associate (O.P.A.), the Dominican tradition has been a part of life since childhood in Independence, Louisiana. Her family’s parish church was staffed by the Dominican Friars and she attended Mater Dolorosa Elementary School, staffed by the St. Mary’s Dominican Sisters.

Dr. Thomas has served many years in Catholic education, holding positions in faculty and administration. In 1997, she was appointed Dominican’s first lay president. Prior to that appointment, she served as the school’s first lay principal for five years. Other assignments include assistant principal and a faculty member at Brother Martin High School, and faculty member at Dominican and Ursuline Academy Elementary School.

Dr. Thomas received a Doctorate of Education from Spalding University, a Master of Education from University of Holy Cross, and a Master of Religious Education from Loyola University New Orleans. She serves on the executive board of the Dominican Association of Secondary Schools, the board of directors of Boys Hope/Girls Hope of Greater New Orleans, and the advisory council of Archbishop Shaw High School.

Rev. Juan Torres, O.P., Development Director of the Southern Province, Very Rev. Thomas M. Condon, O.P., Prior Provincial of the Southern Province, Dr. Cynthia A. Thomas, O.P.A., recipient of the St. Martin de Porres Award, Rev. Victor Laroche, O.P., Socius and Vicar Provincial of the Southern Province.

Dr. Thomas with her mother, Grace O’Neill.