In Their Own Words: Thank You Notes from Thompson Scholars
JULY 9, 2026
Every year, the Thompson Foundation receives hundreds of thank you letters from Thompson Scholars who attend one of our partner schools: Bowling Green State University, Grand Valley State University, Michigan Technological University and Saginaw Valley State University. These notes are extremely meaningful to the Thompsons and the Thompson Foundation, and so genuinely heartfelt that we are prompted to say, “Thank you for the thank you notes, Thompson Scholars!” Here is a sampling of excerpts from this year’s notes, representing all four schools.
“I can almost touch the dreams that I’ve had since intermediate school of having a tech job, and it is all because of you two….I am going to find a way in the future to pay it forward…”
“I would not be where I am today if it weren’t for you both. I am so grateful that you believe in me and have invested in my future.”
“I am so thankful and grateful to be part of the Thompson family…I wear my Thompson Scholar t-shirt and pin with pride!”
“Thank you not only for the money and the chance to be at BGSU, but for starting me off with a community…”
“Without getting the scholarship I would not be able to pursue a degree at one of the best universities in the nation and enjoy the ‘MTU Experience.’ …So, for the Thompson Scholarship, I say thank you! I will do my best to be a grateful recipient and represent this scholarship’s name.”
“This scholarship means the world to me. Being able to go to college has been a dream of mine since I was a little girl. It’s donors like you… that make dreams like this a reality. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
“I don’t know how I would have made it through college without the Foundation’s help. I hope that you will read this letter and realize just how much of a difference your scholarship made in my life. Thank you for helping me succeed, not only in my academics, but in my future.”
“Going into college, I worked three jobs to earn as much as I could to afford my bills with little debt. This scholarship made all the difference by taking away stress, allowing me to solely focus on my academics and being my best self. Thank you for everything you have done for these three amazing years…”
“Your investment in my education has made a real difference, and I am truly grateful. The Working Families Scholarship is more than financial assistance. It is a source of encouragement that motivates me to work harder, serve others, and lead with purpose. I am proud to be part of a university community that is strengthened by donors like you who believe in the potential of its students.”
“The values I learned at a young age are exactly what it means to be a Thompson Scholar today. Values of hard work, generosity and support are what makes the scholarship much more than just financial aid. The impact is far more than writing a check…its awarding opportunities to those who may not have had one otherwise.”
“As I prepare to graduate and pursue my goal of becoming a teacher, I feel both excited and deeply appreciative. Your support has helped me lay the foundation for my future and it motivates me to give back by making a positive impact on the lives of my future students.”
“Completing different community service activities made me feel a sense of gratitude and fulfillment I did not expect….Thank you so much Mr. and Mrs. Thompson, for providing me with this scholarship. It has helped me in more ways than you can imagine.”
“We are a big family, and I have younger siblings who look up to me, so I want to set a good example by working hard and finishing my degree. Being a first-generation student, I know how hard it can be to pay for college. Having this support truly makes me feel like someone truly believes in me and my goals.”
“This scholarship pushed me in such an amazing direction by requiring service hours and I’m eternally grateful for it.”
“Thank you for aiding me in my journey into the medical field. Additionally…thank you for providing me the opportunity to perform good for the community. I have gained a new perspective on how, even in my busy college life, it is important to help others.”