Title:Memorable moments from Georgetown University’s virtual tribute to Coach Thompson

“What made Coach Thompson special, what compelled us to celebrate his life today, is what he did to build young men—to turn them into men of character and purpose,” shared Obama. “… Coach Thompson molded that raw talent into something better by showing them not just new skills but new possibilities for themselves and for their lives.”

“John provided us with new ways to imagine, to interpret our values, enabling all of us to see possibilities for what we could be as individuals and as a University,” said President DeGioia. “He demanded the best in us and brought out the best in us.”

“I hope that he’s looking down on us from Heaven, feeling pride for the work we are doing here,” added Patrick Ewing (C’85), former player and current men’s basketball coach.

Each year since 2003, Georgetown has presented the John R. Thompson Jr. Legacy of a Dream Award to changemakers in the Washington, D.C., community—individuals and groups that demonstrate outstanding service and the Jesuit ideal of “people for others.” Past recipients have included civil rights icons, children’s rights advocates, and other humanitarians.

The Thompson family requests memorial contributions be made to the John R. Thompson Jr. Legacy of a Dream Award Fund to support the award recipients in their important work.

Make a gift to the fund today »