More than 360 new Thompson and Charter Scholars gathered Aug. 29 in the Kirkhof Center for the annual welcome session, where they met fellow scholars, connected with staff who can help them navigate the university and learned more about the support and opportunities available to them at GVSU.

Hosted by staff from the Bob and Ellen Thompson Student Success Center (TSSC), the event highlighted the academic, personal and professional growth opportunities available through the Thompson and Charter Scholars programs, including the Thompson & Charter Scholars Leadership Series, community volunteer events and success coaching.

The Thompson and Charter Scholars programs support nearly 1,600 GVSU students, including more than 1,200 Thompson Scholars and 400 Charter Scholars, with about 50 students participating in both programs.

Samantha Mayse, senior director of Thompson Programs, said the programs are intended to provide more than financial support.

“We want our students to understand that the Thompson and Charter Scholars program at GVSU is an institutional legacy that is bigger than just a scholarship,” Mayse said.

The Thompson Scholarship was made possible through the generosity of Robert and Ellen Thompson. Today, GVSU works with the Thompson Foundation to continue their vision of helping students succeed in college and complete their degrees.