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Family of T-birds continue traditionFamily of T-birds continue tradition

For brothers Marco and Michael Thoma, pursuing their studies at Thunderbird was never really in doubt. It was simply a matter of time.

They first learned about Thunderbird from their father while growing up in Asia. Gottfried Thoma spoke to them about the desert spot that brought with it a global perspective and social responsibility that he said were keys to his business success.

The Thoma boys didn’t think twice. They enrolled together as full-time MBA students in May 2008.

“My dad always spoke fondly about this place,” said Marco Thoma, 25. “Part of me being here is helping keep the tradition alive. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

Michael Thoma, 27, said being a Thunderbird student is a natural for him. “It feels like I was coming back home,” said Michael, who grew up with his brother in Hong Kong, Thailand and Sri Lanka. “I was surrounded by so many different cultures again. It feels natural here.”

The students took two different paths to get to Thunderbird. Michael came from a community bank in Colorado, arriving with a wife and three young children. Marco, who is single, was working as a software translator in Germany.

Since arriving on campus, the brothers say they have adjusted well to their new academic routine and see each other almost every day. They swap information about classes, prospective jobs and off-campus life. They also call each other or connect via the computer.

Every Sunday, Marco comes over to Michael’s house for dinner with the family.

Both said they look forward to May 2010, when their proud father will see them both graduate. Both said they hope to have global finance jobs in hand by then.

And there is a strong possibility that the Thoma legacy will endure. Marco and Michael said their remaining brother, Andreas, should be the next family member to join the T-bird ranks.