A historic and life-changing gift
BGSU receives $27 million donation for scholarships from its most generous philanthropists
Bowling Green State University has received the largest gift in its history from philanthropists Robert and Ellen (Bowen) Thompson to expand their existing scholarship programs.
The $27 million gift will provide thousands of future students with greater access to a Bowling Green State University education through life-changing scholarships that support students from working families, military backgrounds and high-potential students with significant financial need.
“We are exceptionally grateful for the continued generosity of Bob and Ellen Thompson, who have been incredible friends and supporters of BGSU for decades,” said President Rodney Rogers. “Their previous support has had immeasurable impact on thousands of BGSU students, and with this unprecedented gift, we will be positioned to achieve our imperative of making a BGSU education accessible and
Michigan couple gives $3 million to BGSU student union
University names facility in their honor
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.
Robert M. and Ellen (Bowen) Thompson, both BGSU graduates, formally presented the gift to the University on Friday (Dec. 15) afternoon.
The contribution is the largest ever received by the University, according to Marcia Latta, director of development at BGSU. The largest previous gift was a $2 million bequest for student scholarships from Lorain schoolteacher Harry V. Frankfather, a 1926 BGSU alumnus. This gift from the Thompsons will impact every student at the University because the Union is used by everyone on campus, Latta said, adding that the gift also demonstrates the importance of private philanthropy. Private dollars are crucial in helping the University achieve its goal of becoming the premiere learning co
Intelligent.com Announces Best Online Military Friendly Colleges for 2021
Share Article
Degree holders gain increased earning potential with career opportunities upon graduation from these top ranked online programs. SEATTLE (PRWEB) April 26, 2021 Intelligent.com, a trusted resource for online degree rankings and higher education planning, has announced the top online programs for 2021. The comprehensive research guide is based on an assessment of 1,280 accredited colleges and universities in the nation. Each program is evaluated based on curriculum quality, graduation rate, reputation, and post-graduate employment. The methodology also uses an algorithm which collects and analyzes multiple rankings into one score to easily compare each school.
Changing Lives for the World
On Sept. 30, 2016, nearly 150 guests gathered to honor Robert ’55, ‘06 (Hon.) and Ellen ’54, ’06 (Hon.) Thompson in the very building named in the couple’s honor. 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.
“How perfect to celebrate the Thompsons’ vision, generosity and kindness in the Bowen-Thompson Student Union,” said President Mary Ellen Mazey as she detailed the couple’s remarkable dedication to student success. “They serve as an example on how philanthropy at BGSU can change lives.”
Bob has said that BGSU changed his life because he met his Falcon Flame, Ellen, at a fraternity – sorority mixer while they were students here a generation ago. Ellen was a member of Gamma Phi Beta, the Swan Club and the Key yearbook staff. Bob was a member of Sigma Nu and the Arnold Air Society and was involved with football. Af
PJ Jones PJ Jones
I wanted to go to Bowling Green State University because that was my mom’s dream school. I didn’t know much about college before attending. The Thompson scholarship has shaped my career. I remember being in one of our monthly President s Leadership Academy meetings and guest speakers came in to talk about careers. I was lost and uninterested in my major at the time when one of the speakers asked what I wanted to do. I said “I really just want to bring leadership programs like the PLA to other college campuses… take kids from the hood of Detroit like me, to college and expose them to something new.” Afterwards the speaker actually connected me with other professionals on campus and I learned more about the profession.