Living to Her Full Potential
Samantha Kaspala, Class of 2019
After experiencing some knee trouble during a cheerleading routine, Samantha Kaspala visited her high school’s athletic training room for assistance. Little did she know this trip would set her on a path to a future career. Samantha quickly joined her school’s student athletic training program and developed a passion that she has continued to pursue further at Grand Valley.
“I absolutely fell in love with athletic training,” says Samantha. “It’s a career that keeps you on your toes. You never know what is going to walk through the door.”
Grand Valley’s rigorous athletic training program has Samantha starting her day with classes from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., then working at her clinical site from 1:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. This tight schedule left Samantha with the difficult decision of giving up her part-time job.
“The schedule is really intense. You have to stay focused and force yourself into time management to stay ahead of the game,” she says.
“The Thompsons are great at making sure you know they support you throughout all four years of college.”
With the help of the Thompson Working Family Scholars Program, Samantha is able to focus on her studies and not worry about the financial burden of tuition.
“Receiving this scholarship means I can fully immerse myself in school,” says Samantha. “I am able to be the best student I can be, without having to worry about where my tuition is going to come from.”
Dedicated to making education accessible, Bob and Ellen Thompson established this four-year scholarship to assist students from working families who might not otherwise be able to attend and finish college due to economic hardship.
“The Thompsons are great at making sure you know they support you throughout all four years of college. They stand behind you, and let you know they want to make it possible for you to get your education,” says Samantha.
After graduation, Samantha plans to work as an athletic trainer in a high school for a few years then return to school to get a master’s degree in physician assistant studies. She hopes to take what she has learned at Grand Valley and use it to support others in a time of need.
“I want my Laker Effect to be utilizing every aspect of my degree to provide my patients with the best medical care possible,” she says.
Bob and Ellen Thompson
Robert (Bob) and Ellen Thompson have made a profound impact on Michigan students. Bob and Ellen have funded thousands of K-12 and college scholarships, including the creation of two scholarships at Grand Valley - the University Preparatory Academy Scholarship and the Thompson Working Family Scholars Program. The Thompson Working Family Scholars Program began in 2011 to assist students from working families who might not otherwise be able to attend and finish college due to economic hardship. In 2017, an accelerated phase of the program began, increasing the number of students getting the scholarship each year.
Bob started out in road construction and built his company, Thompson-McCully, into Michigan’s largest asphalt paving company. Ellen began her career as an elementary school teacher, and has maintained her passion for education and teaching. Their generosity and dedication have created a community impact that will have a lasting effect.
Contact
To contact University Development or the Grand Valley University Foundation
University Development
Grand Valley State University
L.V. Eberhard Center, 9th floor
301 Fulton St. West
P.O. Box 1945
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49501
P (616) 331-6000
F (616) 331-6099
