Working Families Scholarship

James E. Lindstrom ‘69 and the late Rollin A. Jones ‘58 graduated from Michigan Tech equipped with degrees that enabled them to enjoy challenging and successful careers working for the Thompson McCully paving company. Eventually, they would both hold vice president positions working for Mr. Robert Thompson, a respected businessman known for his “data driven” management style.

Jim and Rollin are great examples of first generation Tech graduates from working families whose education and subsequent careers “changed their family tree,” as Jim puts it. Their hard work and success provides the opportunity for their children and grandchildren to further dream, and to accomplish great things through their lives. This progression changes the family tree and allows for future generations to greatly contribute to society.

Jim believes he and Rollin both grew up with a strong work ethic that was reinforced at Tech through the rigorous curriculum. The 400+ miles between Houghton and home - a familiar reality for so many of our students - combined with an average 220 inches of snow made it nearly impossible to go home on weekends. But, as Jim recalls, “We certainly needed those weekends to perform well in class.” The rigor and remoteness is also what uniquely defines the Husky spirit of tenacity that leads to career success. 

Thanks to the generous support from the Thompson Foundation, The Rollin A. Jones and James E. Lindstrom Working Families Scholarship program began at Michigan Tech in 2020. The scholarship provides an opportunity for qualified students to receive financial support while earning hands-on, industry informed, educational experience. Through a little support and a lot of hard work, or as Jim likes to say, “putting the nose to the grindstone” and “some skin in the game,” we are excited to watch the scholars of today become the engineers, scientists, innovators, entrepreneurs, educators, and leaders of tomorrow.