September 13, 2021

The third annual Quatrefoil Scholarship winner is Jay Thompson, a University of Minnesota sophomore who is pursuing a double major in Psychology and Spanish Studies. 

Robel Tedros, a U of M senior, received a runner-up award.

Thompson emerged from among many impressive applicants because of his desire “to help LGBTQ+ youth struggling with mental disorders, in the same way that I have struggled.” He received $1,000 to assist with tuition.

Growing up as a trans person in Minocqua, Wisconsin, Thompson experienced depression and gender dysphoria and sought help from a therapist. “It was such a good experience for me,” he says. That led him to declare his major in Psychology by the end of his freshman year at the U.

Thompson, an avid reader and gamer, hopes to study abroad as part of his Spanish major, and to attend graduate school. 

He imagines a career that can help others. “Working with LGBTQ+ youth, particularly those who are transgender, I know that I will be able to create life-lasting connections that will benefit those who are struggling with their mental health,” Thompson said in his application. “No one should have to live in fear of being themselves. I can change that, and I will.”

Robel Tedros is completing his degree in African-American and African Studies with double minors in political science and philosophy. The  free-lance pianist, singer and actor is passionate about social justice issues and says he believes that there is much work to be done to support African people who are neurodivergent and/or LGBTQ. He received an award of $250.

The Quatrefoil Scholarship fund welcomes donations to support deserving students in future years. Please go to bit.ly/Qscholar and select Scholarship Fund to direct a tax-deductible gift in any amount to this ongoing effort. Thank you!