BOWLING GREEN, Ohio — Carter Leonard, a student at Bowling Green State University with dreams of becoming a journalist, is now one step closer to his goal.
On Friday, Leonard was one of 200 freshmen who received the Thompson Working Families Scholarship. The scholarship, which provides $11,000 annually to each recipient, adds up to a total of $6.6 million in scholarships across all recipients.
“The fact I don’t have to worry about that anymore and I can move forward with a clear path is truly amazing,” said Leonard. “This is truly incredible, and I’m very excited.”
The scholarship was founded in 2014 by Bob and Ellen Thompson, BGSU alumni from the 1950s. It aims to alleviate the financial burden of tuition for students who are most in need.
This year’s recipients are the first to receive the scholarship after the Thompsons’ 2024 donation of $121 million to BGSU.
“These are students graduating with minimal debt, in four years or less, and are prepared to have great careers and great lives,” said BGSU President Rodney Rogers.
As the group of scholarship recipients gathered at University Hall, the reality of the life-changing gift began to sink in. Emotions ran high as laughter, smiles and even tears filled the room.
“For someone paying for their own tuition, this is a huge weight off my shoulders—and my family’s too,” said Alexis Miller, one of the recipients.
Fellow freshman Abby Gilson was emotional after receiving the award and seeing Bob Thompson’s speech to the group during the surprise ceremony.
“I actually cried a little bit,” Gilson said. “Watching the speech made me think, ‘Oh man,’ because I know my parents will be really proud.”
Kilynn Walter, another scholarship recipient, said this is the best present she could ask for.
“My family has been struggling a bit, so this really made my year,” Walter said.
In addition to their $121 million donation in 2024, BGSU matches the Thompsons’ donation, which means over the next decade, the program is set to help approximately 6,200 students with over $250 million in scholarship money.
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