Empowering Pocatello's Scholars: The Grant M. Thomas Scholarship Endowment

The endowment, named in honor of alumnus Grant M. Thomas, aims to support students demonstrating academic promise, financial need, and a commitment to the community.

Thomas, a proud native of Pocatello, Idaho, began his academic journey at ISU after graduating from Pocatello High School. In 1974, he earned his bachelor's degree in sociology, laying the foundation for a career in social work. Throughout his tenure, which included roles at the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, he remained deeply engaged in supporting his alma mater and fostering the next generation of scholars.

Grant and his wife, Donna, are pillars of the Pocatello and ISU communities, actively participating in local events and organizations such as the Idaho Civic Symphony, ISU women's basketball games, and the Idaho Museum of Natural History. Their commitment to supporting education and fostering community ties underscores the importance they place on giving back to future generations.

“Grant's dedication to ISU and Pocatello High School, combined with his extensive career in social work, serves as a beacon of inspiration for students pursuing their educational aspirations,” says College of Arts and Letters Dean, Dr. Kandi Turley Ames.  "We are deeply grateful for his generosity and commitment to empowering students to achieve their academic and career goals."

For more information on the scholarship and how to contribute, please contact Tabitha LaForce by email at tabithalaforce@isu.edu or by phone (208) 282-1404. 

The endowment will provide scholarships to undergraduate students who meet the following criteria:

• Enrolled full-time in the College of Arts and Letters
• Maintain a GPA between 2.0 and 3.0
• Demonstrate financial need
• Graduated from Pocatello High School
• Preference given to majors in Sociology, Criminology and Social Work, Anthropology, or Political Science