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.

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