Jacob Thomas '73 Establishes Endowed CEAS Scholarship
Sep 18, 2024
When Jacob Thomas ’73 applied to the electrical engineering graduate program at Stony Brook University, he did not anticipate it would lead to a successful career in computer science. Nor did he foresee establishing an endowed scholarship using a qualified charitable donation (QCD) after years of annual giving to Stony Brook. However, both events transpired, and Thomas is pleased to provide opportunities for students similar to those he received.
Thomas recently retired from Verizon, where he began in the research and development department before transitioning into customer support applications. Through Verizon’s corporate match program, Thomas contributed yearly to scholarship funds at Stony Brook but always aspired to give more. An article in SB Matters about an alumni couple creating an endowment through the New York State endowment match program and the Simons Infinity Investment match inspired him.
He decided to make a QCD through his IRA to establish the Jacob Thomas Mooletharayil Endowed Scholarship, named after his father and grandfather due to their emphasis on education. “My grandfather was a teacher and my father had scholarships to support him through college,” said Thomas. “The importance of education was instilled in me at a young age, and honoring their name through this scholarship ensures their legacy will live on at Stony Brook.”
“Jacob Thomas’ experience at Stony Brook is one that we hope all of our students have,” said College of Engineering and Applied Sciences Dean Andrew Singer. “By establishing this scholarship, Jacob has demonstrated his deep commitment to providing opportunities for our students to ensure they get a world-class education.”
Read the full story at SB Matters.