Catchin' Up With a Cookie: Joe Thornton
Joe Thornton
2019 Undergraduate Transfer Scholar, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Joe Thornton is an Investment Analyst at CornerStone Partners, a full-service Outsourced Chief Investment Officer serving nonprofit organizations with missions primarily in education and healthcare. Jargon aside, Joe gets to spend his time questioning, studying, and learning from the best investment managers in the world, in hopes of identifying investors that can deliver an attractive return for CornerStone's clients. Joe's current role sits at the intersection of two long-standing passions (education and finance) while also giving a bird's eye view of an ever-changing investment universe. He currently spends his free time mentoring community college students, teaching financial literacy, and enjoying the tastiest eats he can find.
The Cooke Foundation is one of CornerStone’s clients.
What does being a Cooke Scholar mean to you?
Being a Cooke Scholar means that I have someone I can reach out to who knows wayyy more than I do about any question that is bothering me whenever I need. I am part of a community filled with brilliant minds spanning all disciplines, all of whom possess incredibly friendly and helpful attitudes. In times of hardship or confusion, I'll always have someone I can turn to, and no matter where life takes me, there will be another Cooke Scholar who is glad to meet up and connect in a meaningful way.
Tell us about a memorable moment in undergrad.
Going to University of Michigan, sports are a huge part of the campus culture. My most memorable moments were football game days, and while it was a little after undergrad, my all-time favorite memory was being in the Big House to watch Michigan beat Ohio State to win the conference in 2021, 42-27 :-) Go Blue!
What is ONE THING YOU DID TO HELP TRANSITION TO YOUR FIRST YEAR OUT OF COLLEGE?
Something I believe has greatly benefited me, and the advice I would offer to others, is to find at least one constant in your life. Graduating from college often brings about numerous changes, such as friends relocating to different parts of the world and the challenges of adjusting to new work responsibilities. To counterbalance this variability, it is essential to maintain at least one element of consistency. It could be a loved one with whom you stay in close contact, a hobby that you consistently nurture, or a personal tradition you maintain. I feel that something of that sort can provide immense value and calm through what can be a difficult time.
What was the last book you read, movie/show you watched, or podcast you listened to that you really enjoyed and highly recommended?
This is low-hanging fruit, but I really enjoyed Everything Everywhere All At Once! If you haven't seen it, immediately watch it. It feels like the movie expands so many genres while being incredibly philosophical AND funny. Everyone recommends it, so I'm glad to be everyone + 1.
If you were to create your own cookie, what would it consist of and what name would you give it?
In addition to my childlike wonder, I also possess a childlike sweet tooth!!! While it would eventually consist of much more, I'd start with Heath pieces, coarsely chopped Reese's cups, and some mini M&M's to begin with. By the time I finished, it'd have to be named the "Bunchastuff" since there would indeed be a buncha stuff in it :-)
