The Grace E. and Eugene V. Thomsen Memorial Honors Scholarship
Grace and Gene Thomsen joined the faculty at Southwestern Junior College in 1963. Gene initially taught Old Testament History, English, Greek, and Spanish, and Grace contributed her skills to the library. As the college grew, Gene completed a second master's degree and then a doctorate in applied linguistics in 1970 from the University of Texas.
At Southwestern, Dr. Thomsen served as Professor and Chairman of the Modern Languages Department and established the Center for English Language Learning for English-as-a-second-language students. He served as the first faculty director of the Adult Degree Program, helped establish the Bachelor of Science degree program in nursing, and was instrumental in developing the Computer Information Systems Department. In 1979, he was elected by the Board of Trustees as Dean of Academic Affairs, and in 1981, he was designated Vice President of Academic Affairs.
Grace served Southwestern briefly as a librarian, but her principal contribution was as a philanthropist and supporter for all things Southwestern. She would not tolerate criticism of the school that she loved dearly, whose ideals she believed in, and she worked tirelessly on Southwestern's behalf. The Thomsen Memorial Honors Scholarship was established by friends and family of Grace and Gene.
Scholarship award requirements
This scholarship is awarded to a junior in the honors program who has demonstrated academic excellence, has a strong commitment to serving others with their talents, and has broad interests in the arts, humanities, and sciences.
Grace E. and Eugene V. Thomsen Memorial Honors Scholarship
Student Recipients
2020-2021-Viviana Martinez
2019-2020 -Caleb Whittington
2018-2019 -Janely Castro
2017-2018 -Raymond Sanchez
2016-2017 - Courtney Agee
2015-2016 - Roselyn Trevino
2014-2015 - Zepeda Cabrera
2013-2014 - Tiffany Collier
2012-2013 - Dennerd Ovando
2011-2012 - Darren La Madrid
2010-2011 - Chelsey Evans