Florida A&M University Athletics has proudly announced a transformative $115,000 donation from Tola Thompson, the university’s chief of staff, to establish The George & Alice Thompson Endowed Scholarship. This significant contribution is designed to make a lasting, positive impact on FAMU Athletics and enhance student-athlete experiences.
In Honor Of His Parents
The endowed scholarship honors Thompson’s parents, George “Godfather” Thompson and Alice Thompson, who devoted their lives to supporting FAMU Athletics. Affectionately known as the “Godfather,” George Thompson dedicated 49 years to the university as its athletic trainer and equipment manager. His remarkable legacy is commemorated in the football locker room, which proudly bears his name.
Alice Thompson, who passed away in 2018, made notable contributions to the university during the late 1980s by tutoring student-athletes. She also broke ground as the president of FAMU Athletics’ first all-female booster club, “The Tight Ends Club.”
“FAMU and FAMU Athletics means a great deal to our family,” said Thompson. “FAMU has given so much to my family. My parents, my brother, my sister, and I all got a great education here. I count it a big honor for me to be able to give back in such a small way. This endowed scholarship is just one way I can say thank you.”
Thompson expressed his enthusiasm for the future of FAMU Athletics, stating, “Can’t wait to see how future Rattlers will make their mark on our legacy.”
Angela Suggs, vice president and director of athletics at FAMU, extended her heartfelt appreciation for Thompson’s generous gift. “On behalf of FAMU Athletics, I extend our heartfelt thanks to Tola for his generosity and support of our athletics program. This level of commitment exemplifies the immense pride our alumni have in our program,” said Suggs. “We are proud to have this fully endowed athletics scholarship, and we hope it will be one of many to come. This gift will undoubtedly inspire future generations of Rattlers to achieve greatness and uphold the proud tradition of excellence at FAMU.”
The interest generated from this endowment will fully cover the tuition of one FAMU student-athlete each year.
