University News

Thompson Scholarships Benefit Local Students

March 21, 2012

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MACOMB, IL -- Retired Western Illinois University Vice President for Administrative Services Jackie Thompson, '85, '94, and her husband Dave, '72, a Macomb Northwestern Mutual Financial agent, have established two scholarships to benefit students coming to Western from VIT (Vermont/Ipava/Table Grove) and Macomb senior high schools.

"We both feel our Western educations served us well," explained Dave. "WIU really provides opportunities for local area kids who otherwise would not have access to a college education. Our degrees really helped both of our careers; we hope the same for students from our high schools."

"As a vice president," continued Jackie, "there was always discussion about the need for scholarships. Where I am is a result of my roots in high school basic education. Small schools really struggle today, and I am hoping to help a student much like myself. I have very fond memories of growing up in Table Grove, and I would like for students there to have the same opportunity I did."

During her career at Western, Jackie funded and fully endowed the Jackie & Dave Thompson Scholarship through payroll deduction. This award is intended for incoming freshmen from VIT and will provide $1,000 to the recipient each year of their undergraduate study.

Jackie retired from WIU in July 2011 after 41 years of service, the last 14 as vice president for administrative services. She earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees while working full-time.

"When I think back to presidents Spencer and Goldfarb and all of the opportunities I was offered, I am just amazed," she says. "I started out as a secretary and ended up as a vice president. All of this was unexpected, and reliant upon my education."

Dave graduated with a bachelor's degree in education in 1972, and immediately entered the insurance business with Northwestern Mutual, with whom he will complete his 40th year in June. He has earned the professional designations of CLU and CLTC within the industry. Dave also is a retired lieutenant colonel of the Illinois National Guard, having served as commander of the local guard unit for nine years.

Upon Jackie's retirement, Dave committed $25,000 to endow a second scholarship in honor of her service to WIU. The Dave and Jackie Thompson Scholarship will be awarded to a graduate of Macomb High School, with preference given to a dependent of a military family. This scholarship will also provide $1,000 per year for four years to the recipient.

"I just wanted to step up and create a scholarship for our other high school, and I thought it was an appropriate tribute to Jackie," he said.

In addition to their professional achievements, Jackie and Dave have been active in the campus and community, receiving awards and accolades. Both have been awarded the WIU Alumni Achievement Award, Jackie in 2003 and Dave in 1986.

"It's indicative of the caliber of people Davie and Jackie are," said Vice President for Advancement and Public Services Brad Bainter. "Jackie was greatly respected as a vice president at Western, and both she and Dave have established their capacities for generosity through these two scholarships. Western, and the Macomb community, are fortunate for their friendship."

Posted By: Julie Murphy, WIU Foundation (WIUNews@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing