GVSU celebrates Thompson Foundation for decades of helping students achieve goals

Gabby May grew up a stone's throw away from Grand Valley and enjoyed attending Laker football games with her family.

When she was a senior in high school, May set her sights on attending Grand Valley and set a goal of paying for her education herself. To lower that cost, May knew she would commute to GVSU classes from her Coopersville home. 

May received another financial boost when she earned the renewable Thompson Working Families Scholarship , funded by a philanthropic Detroit couple, Bob and Ellen Thompson.

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.”

The Thompsons sold their successful asphalt paving business in 1999 and shared nearly one-third of the $422 million sale proceeds with their employees. They established the Thompson Foundation in 1999 and have since helped thousands of students in Michigan and Ohio gain access to college and graduate with little or no debt.

May, a marketing and supply chain management senior, was one of the student speakers at the dedication event. She expressed her thanks to the Thompsons.

"My goal was to pay for college on my own, without the help of my parents or loans, I very much appreciate the Thompsons," May said. "My scholarship has provided invaluable opportunities and connections. This new center will enrich our experience, reminding us of Mr. and Mrs. Thompson's call to help others at every stage of life.”

Part of the criteria for the Thompson Working Families Scholarship is community service. May said that was right up her alley, as she was a member of the Coopersville Area Youth Advisory Council in high school, volunteering and supporting the community foundation. 

Bob Thompson spoke with several Thompson scholars prior to the event. He said the new center provides more resources and space to help them succeed.

“Ellen and I are delighted to see Grand Valley's investment in the Student Success Center for the Thompson Scholars," he said. "This initiative is a significant step toward enhancing the academic and personal growth of our students. We are confident that this center will provide invaluable support and resources, fostering a thriving community of scholars.”