When JaDair McGowan, Class of 2029, first arrived at Grand Valley, surrounded by unfamiliar faces, he quickly realized that finding a community would shape his college experience just as much as academics. 

Being part of the Thompson Scholarship program helped him create those connections quickly – finding opportunities to engage with other students, stepping into leadership roles, and growing more confident in himself. Now serving as vice president of the program, McGowan says the experience has helped him discover his voice both as a leader and as his own person. "This program has helped me find my voice in leadership roles," McGowan said.

Leading with Authenticity  

His particular leadership style is rooted in authenticity. He believes in showing up naturally to any given situation, so the people around him know he is being genuine. "Being a good leader to me really looks like adapting and having patience,” McGowan said. “I feel like in order to help someone, it’s best to put yourself in their shoes and see the situation from all sides.” 

Through his role with the Thompson Scholarship program, guidance from mentors, and participation in the Charter Leadership Series – a six-part, beginner-friendly leadership program – he has continued developing that perspective while encouraging more student engagement across campus. “I'm hoping that in the near future we can get an annual student engagement event, whether that is with residential communities or different classes,” McGowan explained. “I would also like to see different groups of Thompson Scholars do networking events together.”   

Stories That Unite  

For McGowan, community building doesn’t stop with leadership; it also happens through storytelling. As someone who is passionate about connecting with others and understanding their experiences, he has been drawn to journalism and broadcasting since high school. Through interviewing community members, creating NPR-inspired audio postcards, and participating in radio conversations, he has discovered the power of stories to bring people together.  

“Doing behind-the-scenes work and getting to know people is what really interests me in journalism,” McGowan said. “You get to introduce yourself and learn about someone else and ask questions that other people may not think to ask.” 

McGowan credits the Thompson Scholarship program for helping him grow in ways he never expected and giving him the confidence to put himself out there. “I want to say thank you to the Thompsons for the opportunities they have given me with this scholarship. I've been able to engage in leadership opportunities and stretch myself as a leader. I've grown tremendously in ways that I couldn't have imagined before, so for that, I want to say thank you.”  

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