Bowling Green State University will name the historic heart of its campus the Bowen-Thompson Quadrangle in honor of the University’s most generous philanthropists – Robert and Ellen (Bowen) Thompson – during a ceremony on May 10 in front of University Hall. Speakers are scheduled to take the stage at 12:45 p.m. In case of inclement weather, the event will move to the Lenhart Grand Ballroom in the Bowen-Thompson Student Union.
The university’s trustees approved the naming at their May 3 meeting.
The Thompsons met at BGSU, earning their degrees in education in 1954 and 1955, respectively. Their contributions to the University dates back more than two decades. Gifts include support for the construction of the Bowen-Thompson Student Union, the establishment of the Thompson Scholarship in the Sidney A. Ribeau President’s Leadership Academy and a military scholarship benefiting active-duty service members and veterans.
Five years ago, they also established the Thompson Scholarship Program for Working Families and agreed to greatly expand the program this year. The scholarship assists high-achieving students from low-to-middle income families. This fall, more than 500 students will be part of the program, and plans are underway to expand the program to more than 1,000 students annually for future years.
More than 300 students and alumni whose lives have been changed through the Thompsons’ generosity are expected to attend the ceremony.
