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The Robert and Ellen Thompson Scholarships

Bob and Ellen Thompson stand outside with President Mantella and a large group of students all wearing their blue Thompson Scholar t-shirts.

About the Thompsons

Thanks to the generosity of Bob and Ellen Thompson and the Thompson Foundation, hundreds of Laker students receive financial support and needed resources for academic success and community building. The Thompsons have created several scholarships for Grand Valley students: the UPREP Academy Scholarship, Thompson Working Families Scholarship, Thompson Working Families Achiever Scholarship, and the Thompson Working Families Transfer Student Scholarship.

Bob & Ellen's Story

A photo of Bob Thompson seated with his wife, Ellen Thompson, standing behind him with her hands on his shoulders, both are smiling.

Robert (Bob) and Ellen Thompson have made a profound impact on Michigan and its largest city, Detroit.

Bob built his company, Thompson-McCully, into Michigan’s largest asphalt paving company. In his 40 years in the industry, he helped lead the paving business, serving as chairman of the National Asphalt Paving Foundation, president of the Michigan Road Builders Association and other leadership roles. He holds some of the industry’s highest honors, including Asphalt Institute Roll of Honor, NAPA Man of the Year, and Engineering News-Record Newsmaker of the Year.

Ellen began her career as an elementary school teacher and has had a passion for teaching and education all her life. In addition to raising their family and helping Bob build his business, Ellen played an active role in her community, including the development and evolution of the Thompson Foundation, and being actively engaged with the Salvation Army. Ellen was named one of the 2025 Michiganians of the Year by the Detroit News. 

Bob and Ellen have led the Thompson Foundation to create nine nonprofit charter schools in Southeast Michigan reaching thousands of students, with continued support for them post-graduation. They have set up ongoing scholarships at several universities. They also initiated two scholarship programs at Grand Valley State University. The University Preparatory Academy Scholarship supports graduates from three of their Detroit nonprofit charter schools, University Prep Academy, University Prep Science & Math and University Prep Art & Design, to attend Grand Valley; and the Thompson Working Families Scholars Program is awarded to students from Michigan working families.

Bob and Ellen have accomplished incredible results in their effort to lift families from poverty through education. Their generosity of spirit will have a ripple effect for generations to come.

 

Learn more about Bob & Ellen Thompson 

A video of Bob & Ellen Thompson from GVSU Enrichment Dinner 2015

Grand Valley State University is grateful to the Thompson Foundation for their leadership, collaboration, and support of our Thompson Scholars.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE THOMPSON FOUNDATION

Stay connected with the Thompson Foundation and the large network of Thompson Scholars across our region at the Thompson Foundation - Thompson Scholars LinkedIn Page.

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Page last modified October 8, 2025