Thompson Scholarship Programs
2024-25
Year-in-Review
1,202 Thompson Scholars
Connect. Engage. Serve.
Thompson Scholarship Programs
Thompson Scholars receive more than a financial benefit from the scholarship. Our program staff offers holistic support from the time students enter our program through graduation. We help them find opportunities to connect, engage and serve – experiences that enable them to grow and make the most of their BGSU experience. Our staff collaborates with internal and external partners to coordinate events and service opportunities every semester.
Thompson Summer Link and Orientation
Our Summer Link program is designed to help our incoming first-year scholars make a smooth transition to BGSU and college life. Our 2024 Summer Link was our largest one yet, with 167 of our 247 first-year scholars attending! Students moved into their residence hall the week before classes began and had opportunities over the four-day program to connect, engage and serve with other new scholars, our Summer Link leaders and our staff. Students met each other and competed in the Thompson Olympics, learned about scholarship requirements and support, got acclimated to navigating campus, participated in personal and professional development and got a jump start on their service hours.
Thompson Student Leadership Team
This year, the Thompson Student Leadership Team (SLT) worked to bring the values of Connect, Engage and Serve to life. The team created opportunities for Scholars to build relationships, develop professionally and give back to the community. Thanks to the strong leadership of the executive board, cabinet and advisors, the team’s dedication, collaboration and welcoming spirit made all the difference.
A total of 44 students served on the 2024-25 SLT and contributed 1,818 hours of service. On average, each SLT member served over 41 hours, surpassing the program-wide average. SLT members also maintained a strong academic performance with an average GPA of 3.768. They won first place in BGSU’s Homecoming video competition and represented the program at events like Family Weekend and the Student Organization Showcase. The SLT team provided ample opportunities for connection with each other and other scholars.
Thank you to our executive board for their leadership: Jordan Garner (vice president); Hanna Purcell (treasurer); Julianne Bailey (president); and Reagan Zehnder (fall secretary). Ella Rasey (spring secretary) is not pictured. Thanks also to our cabinet co-chairs for leading each committee.
2024-25 service highlights
28,782+
service hours
completed by Thompson Scholars during the 2024-25 academic year (average 25.2 hours per scholar)
6,588+
items donated
from our fall and spring food drives to benefit the Falcon Food Pantry, Dean of Students’ Grab-N-Go Food Program and Brown Bag Food Project
Thompson service trip
In February, graduate advisors Sam and Raegan traveled to Columbus with 12 scholars for our spring service trip. We partnered with Buddy Up for Life to support individuals with Down syndrome through tennis, fitness and cooking and life skills classes.
Group service opportunities
We hosted a variety of Thompson group service opportunities: For the Public Good Service Event, Black Swamp Arts Festival, Friends of the Wood County Library, Wintergarden Park, Simpson Garden Park, MLK Day of Service and more.
My favorite part is knowing that we help children who are experiencing struggles. Knowing that I can put a smile on a child's face is extremely rewarding. I've learned that I should use the life that I was given to help give back to the people who need it most. - Olivia Zale (2021 Cohort) Olivia's sorority works closely with Kids Count Too and helps children who are experiencing homelessness or are in the foster care systems. In addition to fundraising, they've made teddy bears for the children, sent meaningful cards and compiled Thanksgiving gift bags.
I love that I can volunteer at a not-for-profit museum that relates back to the industry | want to be in. I feel such joy whenever I volunteer here. - Asher Raymond (2021 Cohort)Asher is a resort and attraction management major who volunteered with the Merry-Go-Round Museum in Sandusky, Ohio. He ran the gift shop, operated the carousel and created a special slideshow for guests to enjoy as they entered. Asher is currently completing a marketing internship at Busch Gardens Williamsburg.
Service has been a cornerstone of my college experience. I was involved in food drives, park conservation, blood drives and recycling efforts. These experiences instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility to give back to the university and the broader community - a commitment I intend to carry forward into my professional endeavors and beyond. - Ben Evers (2020 Cohort)
Through the program, I have had the opportunity to participate in numerous community service events, each leaving an indelible mark on my journey. From donating food to organizing philanthropy events through my fraternity, these experiences have not only enriched my college experience but have instilled in me the values of social responsibility and community engagement. - Justin Rettig (2021 Cohort)
Thompson graduation events
This academic year, Thompson Scholarship Programs proudly recognized the accomplishments of our scholars through two inspiring graduation celebrations. These celebrations were powerful reminders of the impact of the Thompsons' generosity and the strength of the Thompson community. We’re proud of each scholar who crossed the finish line this year.
Thompson graduates
295 Thompson Graduates
Summer 2024: 19
Fall 2024: 36
Spring 2025: 240
December Graduate Recognition
In December 2024, we hosted our Fall Graduate Celebration for our 36 fall graduates. It was a milestone moment as we proudly presented the first group of Thompson Scholars with orange cords to wear during Commencement, a new tradition that honors their dedication and resilience.
Graduates and guests heard from the Thompson staff and keynote speaker Trenton Moore (2021), who was chosen for his leadership in our program through the years.
Thompson Scholarship Programs end-of-year celebration
In April 2025, we gathered to celebrate our 240 spring graduates and acknowledge 15 potential summer graduates. Our Thompson Scholars, their guests, our staff and other University leaders enjoyed an afternoon together in celebration of another remarkable year. Guests heard from President Rodney K. Rogers. Scholars were recognized for their involvement with the program, and award winners were announced. Each graduate was recognized and received their Thompson graduation cords and Commencement pin to wear on their graduation gowns.
Blake Thomas (2021) served as emcee for the occasion, and Reagan Zehnder (2021) was chosen as our keynote speaker. This event also included the presentation of our annual Thompson Awards, which recognize individuals who embody the spirit and mission of the program.
Graduate pictures & quotes
Marissa Plouck
(A2023 Cohort)
Being a Thompson Scholar means being part of a community that values perseverance, academic excellence and giving back. It represents an opportunity to grow not only as a student but also as a leader and community member, while being supported by a network that genuinely cares about my success." Spring 2025 graduate
Chandler Giesswein(A2022 Cohort)
I wouldn’t trade the experience I had here at BGSU for anything else. The advisors and staff have made the ‘hard’ part of college much easier.” Spring 2025 graduate in the tourism, hospitality and event management program
Geizi Amon(A2022 Cohort)
From leading student organizations and giving a TEDx talk, to launching a business through the Hatch Program and preparing to begin my career at JPMorgan Chase, every step of my journey has been uplifted by the Thompson Scholarship. Being a Thompson Scholar means being part of something greater than myself – a legacy of perseverance, impact and gratitude that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.” Spring 2025 graduate
Sierra Hoffman(A2022 Cohort)
I have had several volunteer experiences through Thompson that I was able to talk about during my interviews and be able to showcase my love for helping the community around me as well as give back in any way I can.” Spring 2025 graduate
Scholar highlight
Studying abroad was the most rewarding experience I had at BGSU. It completely changed my life. You become a different person with different perspectives and a new worldview. It’s the reason I applied to be a Fulbright Scholar.”
- Spring graduate Bailey Price (2020 Cohort) spent six months at the University of Salzburg in Austria. She was named a Fulbright Scholar, one of the most prestigious academic honors in the U.S., and will teach English in the Czech Republic in the 2024-25 academic year.
Updated: 06/30/2025 08:11AM