The Thompson Scholar Experience
Thompson Scholarship Programs supports our Thompson Scholars by providing them with life-changing opportunities and support even beyond the financial element. Our dedicated advisors invest in our students’ successes and seek to provide growth opportunities. We are also proud of our commitment to service to continue Mr. and Mrs. Thompson’s legacy of helping others.
Scholarship Advisor
Every Thompson Scholar is assigned a dedicated scholarship advisor who provides ongoing guidance and support throughout their college experience.
Advisors regularly connect with Scholars to help them stay on track with scholarship requirements, academic progress, campus involvement, and personal goals. Through individual advising, group meetings, and proactive outreach, advisors help Scholars navigate college, access resources, and make the most of their Thompson experience.
BGSU 1910
Thompson-designated sections of BGSU 1910 help first-year Scholars build community, explore their purpose, and develop the skills needed for a successful transition to college.
Using the Life Design framework, Scholars engage in design thinking, meaningful service experiences, and reflective learning to connect their strengths, values, and goals with the Thompson service-centered mission. Along the way, they build a supportive community, strengthen their sense of belonging, and create a personalized path for success at BGSU and beyond.
Service Opportunities
Community service is an integral part of the Thompson Scholar experience. Inspired by Robert and Ellen Thompson’s legacy of giving back, Scholars are encouraged to approach service as more than a requirement.
Through individual service, group opportunities, service-learning, and reflection, Scholars explore meaningful ways to contribute to their communities. Thompson Scholarship Programs helps students connect service to their values, interests, career goals, and broader community needs.
Our goal is for Thompson Scholars to cultivate a lasting spirit of service and continue the Thompson legacy of using their education for the public good.
Student Leadership Team
The Thompson Scholar Student Leadership Team exists to foster inclusion and connection among Thompson Scholars. It was established to complement and enhance the work of Thompson Scholarship Programs in supporting student success.
The Thompson Scholar Student Leadership Team provides opportunities for promoting scholar success, alumni relations, connection, communication, and service in the community. Its members are responsible for promoting connection, engagement, and service among the students of Thompson Scholarship Programs through the brainstorming, planning, and organization of events.
Peer Affinity Liaison (PAL)
The Thompson Peer Affinity Liaison (PAL) helps Thompson Scholars find their community at BGSU. Whether you're looking for a student organization, campus resource, or a place to belong, the PAL connects you with opportunities that match your interests and goals. While the role primarily supports new scholars, the PAL is available to help all Thompson Scholars build connections and make the most of their BGSU experience.
Orientation and Onboarding
Thompson Scholarship Programs provides intentional onboarding experiences to help incoming first-year Scholars transition to BGSU, understand scholarship expectations, and begin building connections within the Thompson community
Summer Link
Our Summer Link program is a multi-day experience held before the start of the fall semester. Scholars move into their residence halls early and participate in opportunities to connect with peers, engage with Thompson staff and student leaders, learn about scholarship requirements, and begin exploring service as part of the Thompson Scholar experience.
One Day Orientation
One Day Orientation provides a condensed onboarding experience for Scholars who are unable to attend Summer Link due to scheduling conflicts or other commitments. Through this one-day program, Scholars receive key scholarship information, connect with the Thompson community, and begin their transition into the program.
Scholar Sibs
Scholar Sibs is a peer mentorship program that connects new Thompson Scholars with upper-level scholars during their first semester. First-year students who are not enrolled in and Thompson section of BGSU 1910 and new Achiever Scholars who opt in are matched with a Scholar Sib mentor who provides encouragement, answers questions, and helps them build connections within the Thompson community. Through regular communication and shared experiences, Scholar Sibs helps new scholars feel welcomed, supported, and engaged from the start.
Updated: 07/09/2026 02:52PM