By Gavin Millard / EMU
YPSILANTI — Eastern Michigan University highlights student excellence inside and outside the classroom. Living with autism spectrum disorder, senior Hugh Thorp exemplifies perseverance as he excels academically and trains daily to qualify for the Boston Marathon. With his eyes set on an upcoming marathon in Indianapolis, Thorp continues to break barriers and redefine what it means to pursue one’s dreams.
Originally from Mentor, Ohio, Thorp is studying journalism with a minor in public relations. Thorp was diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder in 2019, and as a high-functioning individual on the spectrum, he faces challenges with adjusting to new environments, repetitive behaviors, and restricted interests. Fortunately, Thorp finds support through EMU’s Disability Resource Center, an office dedicated to enhancing student classroom accessibility.
“A big part of why I chose to attend EMU was because of the Disability Resource Center,” said Thorp. “It has been easy to get accommodations, and the people there have treated me well. It has shaped my experience at Eastern because I have been able to succeed in all of my classes, whereas that wasn’t always the case.”
Being surrounded by support, Thorp is training for the Consolidated National Security
Corporation Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon on Nov. 9. Although he trains year-round, Thorp commits three months to each marathon he enters, regularly consuming over 5,000 calories to practice every day. While Thorp’s ultimate goal is to qualify for the Boston Marathon, he hopes to finish under three and a half hours in Indianapolis. A recent Detroit Marathon finish left Thorp’s time at 3 hours, 41 minutes.
After graduation, Thorp aims to participate in two marathons a year while pursuing a master’s degree in sports management. Ultimately, He hopes to land a job in the sports information industry to combine his love for academia and athletics.
As the marathon approaches, Thorp wants people who share his diagnosis to feel empowered to pursue higher education and reach their goals. “There will be hard times that you may think aren’t fair. There have been assignments that I’ve taken eight to 10 times to figure out, but fighting through those times will reward you the most. Anyone who decides to do it can do it, which goes for everything.”
For more information about the Disability Resource Center, visit the webpage.
About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, EMU is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves nearly 13,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University’s Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University’s website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.
