Thompson family makes historic 27M gift for student scholarships

Thompson family makes historic $27M gift for student scholarships

Watch: An open letter to the Thompsons from some of the 1,093 students whose lives have already been changed by their generosity

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BGSU receives largest gift in its history to expand existing Thompson scholarship programs

The $27 million gift from philanthropists Robert and Ellen (Bowen) Thompson will provide thousands of future students with greater access to a BGSU education through life-changing scholarships that support students from working families, military backgrounds and high-potential students with significant financial need.

THE LIVES CHANGED

To date, Thompson scholarships have supported the education of more than 1,000 students at BGSU. Each scholarship story is one of immeasurable impact.

  • Estee Michelle Miller To date, Thompson scholarships have supported the education of more than 1,000 students at BGSU. Each scholarship story is one of immeasurable impact.
  • Jadyn Zayn Cline To date, Thompson scholarships have supported the education of more than 1,000 students at BGSU. Each scholarship story is one of immeasurable impact.
  • Madyson Gabriele To date, Thompson scholarships have supported the education of more than 1,000 students at BGSU. Each scholarship story is one of immeasurable impact.
  • Christopher Carter To date, Thompson scholarships have supported the education of more than 1,000 students at BGSU. Each scholarship story is one of immeasurable impact.
  • PJ Jones To date, Thompson scholarships have supported the education of more than 1,000 students at BGSU. Each scholarship story is one of immeasurable impact.
  • Celeste Smith To date, Thompson scholarships have supported the education of more than 1,000 students at BGSU. Each scholarship story is one of immeasurable impact.
  • Ebonee Johnson To date, Thompson scholarships have supported the education of more than 1,000 students at BGSU. Each scholarship story is one of immeasurable impact.
  • Ryan Patrick To date, Thompson scholarships have supported the education of more than 1,000 students at BGSU. Each scholarship story is one of immeasurable impact.
  • Andrew Klingler To date, Thompson scholarships have supported the education of more than 1,000 students at BGSU. Each scholarship story is one of immeasurable impact.

A BGSU STORY COMES FULL CIRCLE

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THE THOMPSON SCHOLARSHIPS

The Thompsons have been longtime supporters of scholarships at BGSU, already having given millions before this historic gift. Learn more about their scholarship programs, which include a requirement the University match the $5,000 awarded to each Thompson Working Families scholar annually, dollar for dollar, in addition to meeting other benchmarks, including ensuring that 80% of program participants graduate.

Thompson Scholarship in the Sidney A. Ribeau President’s Leadership Academy (PLA)

Thompson Working Families Scholarship

Robert and Ellen Thompson Military Scholarship Program
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More stories:

BGSU Celebrates Naming of Bowen-Thompson Quadrangle

Bowling Green State University has named the historic heart of its campus the Bowen-Thompson Quadrangle in honor of the University’s most generous philanthropists.

Changing Lives for the World

The University’s first Lifetime Achievement Award was given to the Thompsons in recognition of their commitment to their alma mater and to the future of BGSU.

Michigan couple gives $3 million to BGSU student union

A Plymouth, Michigan, couple has given $3 million to Bowling Green State University for a project underway to expand and renovate the University's Student Union.

Updated: 05/15/2021 10:33AM