Ms. Lou Tompkins considers herself very fortunate to have built wealth through her education and, given the role education has played in her story, wanted to give back by supporting educational activities. She previously pursued philanthropy at Michigan State University and privately for children in the foster care system, but she was drawn to the University of Michigan’s International Institute because of its matched-grant system and the chance to double her impact.

As a first-generation student herself, Ms. Tompkins appreciated the International Institute’s emphasis on supporting first-generation students. She wanted to provide not only education but also international opportunities, because she believes students must understand that they are “a small piece in the world economy, the world environment, and in the world culture.”

Here, the Tompkins Travel Abroad Fellowship was born—supporting University of Michigan International Studies students who are first-generation college students and/or traveling abroad for the first time, whether for study abroad, an international internship, or an international research position. The Program in International and Comparative Studies (PICS) administers the award, funded by Ms. Tompkins, which requires a brief application and is awarded based on merit and financial need. As we become more and more of a global society, you have to have tolerance and understanding of the fact that different people have different values and live differently ... that’s important not only in the area of law and politics, but in the area of coexistence.

During her interview with the International Institute regarding the Tompkins Travel Abroad Fellowship, she said, “I think that it’s very important for American students to have an understanding that the United States is not the center of the universe … as we become more and more of a global society, you have to have tolerance and understanding of the fact that different people have different values and live differently ... that’s important not only in the area of law and politics, but in the area of coexistence.”

Read more about Ms. Tompkins and her gift on our Donor Impact page.