By JULIE CARLE
BG Independent News
A roomful of first-year students at Bowling Green State University received a life-changing surprise Friday afternoon, as university leaders announced they had been selected as Thompson Scholars—recipients of a major tuition-based scholarship designed to support working families.
During a gathering at the Bowen-Thompson Student Union, BGSU President Rodney Rogers praised the students for their academic success, campus involvement, and leadership potential before revealing the news.
“All of you have a few things in common,” Rogers said. “You’re a part of a community. You are all completing your first year at Bowling Green, and you have all been highly successful over your time here. You are emerging leaders in this community.”
He also told them about a group of people who want to support the students’ success at BGSU.
Moments later, 200 students opened envelopes confirming their selection into the Thompson Working Families Achiever Scholarship Program.
The scholarship, funded by university alumni and longtime university supporters Bob Thompson ’56 and Ellen Bowen Thompson ’54, is part of a $121 million commitment aimed at helping thousands of students earn college degrees by 2035.
The historic gift expanded the Thompson Working Families Scholarship program that was established in 2014 and was one of the largest non-endowed scholarship programs of its kind in the nation.
The award for this second cohort of Thompson Scholars provides $6.6 million over the next three years to help cover a significant portion of tuition for these students, Rogers said. The students must maintain strong academic performance and complete community service to continue receiving the scholarship.
“Bob and Ellen Thompson absolutely believe in the power of education to change lives,” he said before sharing a message from the Thompsons.
In the video message, Bob Thompson shared his own journey—from arriving at college on an athletic scholarship with little money to building a successful career—emphasizing the transformative power of education. “The education I received gave me the confidence to build a successful life,” he said, encouraging students to “change the world” and give back.
For many recipients, the scholarship brings immediate financial relief.
“It’s a big weight off my shoulders because I’ve been paying for college myself and also have two student loans,” said Kaylyn Stahl of Genoa, an exercise science major on the pre-physical therapy track. “I’ve been debating transferring to a community college just because of the financial burden that has been on me. It feels so nice just to be relieved.”
Jayla Ivery of Columbus, also an exercise science major but with a focus on getting a doctorate in occupational therapy, said the award will ease the burden on her family. “I have a twin brother in college too, so this helps a lot with finances,” she said.
Nursing major Tiffany Boop of Bellefontaine echoed that sentiment. “It just takes away a lot of stress about the financial aspect of college,” she said.
For Marcelo Arrazola, a pop culture major from Napoleon, the scholarship means helping his family while focusing on his education. “It takes some of the burden off my dad,” he said, noting his family also supports relatives in Mexico.
“I called my dad first, because I recognize the sacrifices parents make,” Arrazola said. “He was very excited about the news. I
Beyond financial support, the program emphasizes giving back. Many students said they plan to fulfill that mission through community service and their future careers.
“I want to help people through healthcare,” Boop said.
“Community service is how I plan to pay it forward,” Stahl added.
Ivery said she hopes to one day create scholarships of her own.
Arrazola, who is a member of the Latino Student Union and DREAM, an organization supporting disability rights, education, activism and mentoring, sees doing community service related to Latino/Hispanic or disability issues.
Rogers said that the spirit of generosity is exactly what the Thompsons envisioned. Being able to see the impact of the Thompsons’ gift is what makes this day so special.
“We’re proud of what you’ve done,” Rogers told the students, “But we’re even more excited about what you’re going to do.”
