Thompson Foundation Board Member and Advisor Named Recipient of the 2025 John Carroll University Alumni Medal

Media Contact: Lucie Fornasiero; EAFocus Communications; 248.925.6726; lucie@eafocus.com

Plymouth, Mich. — November 25, 2025 — The Michigan-based Thompson Foundation is pleased to acknowledge that long-term board member and now advisor, Ed Parks, is a recipient of the 2025 John Carroll University Alumni Medal. The award recognizes worthy individuals who distinguished themselves among their peers through their commitment to John Carroll University, personal and professional accomplishments and service to others.

Parks, a retired managing partner of national audit and consulting firm Plante Moran, has been actively engaged with the Thompson Foundation since its inception in 1999. His advisory roles include serving as board president of the Public School Academies of Detroit (PSAD) board and Thompson Foundation trustee. He is currently vice president of the PSAD board. Parks’ contributions to the Thompson Foundation, particularly with its ongoing efforts to guide and support University Prep Schools in Detroit, were recognized in 2013, when the University Prep Academy High School campus was named the Ed Parks campus.

John Cleary, vice president of the Thompson Foundation and currently interim CEO of University Prep Schools, has worked closely with Parks for nearly 25 years and commented on his prodigious commitment to service.

“It’s not surprising that his alma mater is saluting Ed Parks for his career success and civic accomplishments, and we are pleased to acknowledge this very deserving award,” Cleary said. “Ed is tireless in his efforts to share his time and talent with the Thompson Foundation, U Prep Schools and so many other organizations in and around Detroit. He has a tremendous spirit and commitment to service, and we are grateful for our long-term affiliation and friendship.”

The Alumni Medal is the highest award given annually by the John Carroll University Alumni Association and recognizes an individual’s accomplishments in their profession, contributions to their community, exemplary family and personal life and dedicated service to John Carroll University post-graduation. The Alumni Medal was presented to honorees during the university’s homecoming activities on October 25, 2025. A tribute video was also created for the award; Ed Parks’ video, which includes comments from Cleary, can be viewed here.

About the Thompson Foundation

Established in 1999 by Robert and Ellen Thompson, the Michigan-based Thompson Foundation forms partnerships with higher education to provide scholarships that have well-defined requirements. The Thompson Foundation works with its designated partner schools to provide an education that ultimately prepares students for meaningful careers and community-centered lives.