Bgsu to Name Historic Quadrangle in Recognition of Thompsons’ Generosity

Bowling Green State University will name the historic heart of its campus the Bowen-Thompson Quadrangle
in honor of the University’s most generous philanthropists – Robert and Ellen (Bowen) Thompson – during
a ceremony on Friday in front of University Hall.
Ellen and Robert met at BGSU, earning their degrees in education in 1954 and 1955, respectively. Their
generosity to the university dates back more than two decades.
Gifts include support for the construction of the new Bowen-Thompson Student Union, the establishment of
the Thompson Scholarship in the Sidney A. Ribeau President’s Leadership Academy and a military
scholarship benefiting active-duty service members and veterans.
Five years ago, they also established the Thompson Scholarship Program for Working Families and agreed to
greatly expand the program this year. The scholarship assists high-achieving students from low-to-middle
income families. This fall, more than 500 students will be part of the program, and plans are underway
to expand the program to more than 1,000 students annually for future years.
More than 300 students and alumni whose lives have been changed through the Thompsons’ generosity are
expected to attend the ceremony.
Speakers are scheduled to take the stage at 12:45 p.m. Friday in front of University Hall, between McFall
and Williams halls; in case of inclement weather, the event will move to the Lenhart Grand Ballroom in
the Bowen-Thompson Student Union.