Henry & Devonia Thomas
Henry and his wife, Devonia (UMass Amherst ’74), explain why they set up a scholarship for Springfield-area students who want to attend the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
HENRY THOMAS: My wife and I decided to establish a scholarship fund at University of Massachusetts Amherst campus. She, nor myself, would have been able to have a college education but for having scholarships afforded us. DEVONIA THOMAS: I am so grateful that someone gave to me that the only way I canpay that back is to pay it forward. HENRY THOMAS: Developing an opportunity and enabling young people who have aspirations and talent to be able to realize it, that's the heartbeat of it all. DEVONIA THOMAS: My UMass education was the gateway that allowed me to really understand the importance of instruction, excellent instruction, to prompt learning thatran deep that would allow students to be free thinking problem solvers, and open thedoor for me to have access to those people who could give me the opportunity to be in front of a classroom. HENRY THOMAS: The University of Massachusetts can help you get a world-class education for a reasonable cost. DEVONIA THOMAS: My name is Devonia Thomas, class of '74. I stand for academic excellence. And I stand for UMass. HENRY THOMAS: My name is Henry M. Thomas, III. I sit on the Board of Trustees for the University of Massachusetts. I stand for human empowerment. And I stand for UMass.