GVSU celebrates Thompson Foundation for decades of helping students achieve goals

And May is not alone. This year, the Thompsons and their foundation have helped May and 1,120 other GVSU students realize their college dreams while helping to decrease their college debt. The Thompson Foundation has donated more than $36 million to Grand Valley, creating the largest scholarship program at the university. Nearly one in 15 undergraduate students is a recipient of a Thompson scholarship.

The university celebrated the Thompsons and their foundation for their philanthropy on October 18 with the dedication of the Bob and Ellen Thompson Student Success Center, in the Kirkhof Center on the Allendale Campus. Designed to inspire all Lakers, this center prioritizes support for Thompson Scholars and students from GVSU-authorized charter schools.

President Philomena V. Mantella said: "For decades Bob and Ellen Thompson have made sure students from working-class families have access to higher education and this new Center will take that work to a new level to better our communities

"By nurturing an enhanced culture of service and accountability, our scholars will grow into leaders who not only thrive in their future careers but also use their success and affinity as Thompson Scholars long after they graduate."