Alumni, faculty/staff members support scholarships for graduate students

Dr. Thomas and Debra King provide annual support for the Victor H., Madeline F. and Karen A. King Memorial Scholarship, which funds two graduate scholarships each year: one in special education and one in communication disorders. The Kings established the endowed scholarship fund in 1996 in honor of Thomas King's parents and sister to help graduate students preparing to help those with severe disabilities.

Q&A with Dr. Thomas and Debra King:
Occupations: Thomas is a professor of communication disorders at UW-Eau Claire. Debra is outreach program manager for UW-Eau Claire Continuing Education. The Kings also are the 2004 chairpersons for the UW-Eau Claire Foundation’s campus campaign.

UW-Eau Claire connection: We met here as students (the best thing we‘ve ever done!) 30 years ago. Also, both of us earned master’s degrees from UW-Eau Claire. Our younger son, Seth, is a 2003 UW-Eau Claire physics graduate, and our older son, Adam, took summer course work at UW-Eau Claire during his undergraduate years.

Why we believe in financially supporting causes that are important to us: It is our duty, but more so our distinct privilege and pleasure, to give back to those who have helped us and others so much.

Why we support UW-Eau Claire and its Fulfilling the Promise of Excellence campaign: UW-Eau Claire has been central in our lives, giving us each other as well as our primary careers, plus a great start for our boys. It also has linked us to the many well-educated, dedicated professionals who have helped our several family members who have lived bravely with illness and disability. Further, because we both come from working families, we are pleased to have an impact on the lives of others who come from similar backgrounds and who can gain here a first-class, affordable education comparable with any other university.

What we hope will be the impact of our contributions: Our Victor H., Madeline F., and Karen A. King Memorial scholarships help support graduate students in communication disorders and special education, areas where graduate education is essential. Often, funding is not directed to graduate students who plan to enter these important professions that have been so central in our lives.

What we would say to others thinking about making a gift: UW-Eau Claire does so much for the quality of life in our state, nation and beyond. Knowing that they can assist measurably in supporting and expanding the great work that goes on here in so many fields is a satisfaction donors will savor forever. Giving to UW-Eau Claire means being part of something remarkable that is powerfully in motion.

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