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Thomas Scott is a native of Alberta, Canada, and a chosen citizen of the United States. He was born in a log cabin in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, an isolated area traversed by American Indians before his family settled on the land. His pioneer father settled on Hudson Bay land to establish a ranch in a heavily wooded area. He had come from Buffalo, New York, at the age of 15.
His admiration of the United States and his desire to work with people at a professional level with the YMCA motivated him to obtain a student visa and enter the United States to pursue a college education. His upbringing, which was to respect all persons regardless of race, color, or creed, was a prime motivator in the pursuit of knowledge.
Nineteen years of study and work earned him both a bachelor's degree and a Master of Science degree from George Williams College, a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Adult Education from the University of Chicago, and a Doctorate in Education from Northern Illinois University. It is Mr. Scott’s perception that education and learning is the stepping stone to fulfilling life goals and providing each learner with the freedom of democratic choice.
On their participation in the Barsema Alumni and Visitors Center project:
To make a contribution to the already well-established NIU setting that will serve to encourage present and future generations of NIU alumni to return to their roots and carry the NIU victory torch and humanely create the best of all possible worlds.
What does it mean to you to be involved in a project of such importance for the university?
It is an honor and privilege to be blessed in a small way with the capability to make a contribution that will be enduring and of service to future generations of NIU alumni.
What is your personal philanthropic philosophy?
My personal philanthropic philosophy is in line with Richard Niebuhr:
THE MOST URGENT NEED OF THE PRESENT GENERATION IS LIGHT AND WARMTH – PROVIDE THE LIGHT OF KNOWLEDGE AND THE WARMTH OF HIGH IDEALISM.
What does NIU mean to you?
To me, NIU is the open door to knowledge providing a learning environment for all who enter into the democratic world and free choice.
Is there anything that you’d like to say to those who will enjoy the center?
Capture the spirit of wisdom and knowledge into your life and become an enabling force for freedom of learning in the future.
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Barsema Alumni and
Visitors Center
231 N. Annie Glidden Rd.
DeKalb, IL 60115
815.753.1534
815.753.0278 (fax)
Located on the campus of
Northern Illinois University |
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