STEMming From Family: Scholarship Empowers the Next Generation of STEM Leaders

Clockwise, from upper left: alumnus and donor Thomas T. Peters; his parents and scholarship namesakes in front of their Stickney, Illinois, family home, circa 1978; father and son together at Crystal Lake Park in Urbana, 1988, when Tom was a grad student; portrait of Thomas F. and Theresa S. Peters.

Scholarships do more than fund futures—they tell stories. The new Thomas F. & Theresa S. Peters STEM Education Scholarship is a prime example. Established by alumnus Thomas T. Peters,’80, ‘82 LAS, Ed.M. ’85, Ed.D. ’90 C&I, this new College of Education scholarship invests in graduate students pursuing STEM education while serving a deeper purpose: honoring the parents who shaped his life and values.

Peters’ connection to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign runs deep. He earned four degrees from the institution, beginning in Ecology, Ethology, and Evolution (College of Liberal Arts & Sciences) before transitioning to Education through a bridge program that led to a bachelor’s degree in the teaching of biology and a teaching certificate. He later completed both a master’s degree and a doctorate in Science Education (now part of the Department of Curriculum & Instruction) from the College of Education. That shift set him on a path to a decades-long career strengthening STEM education systems across Illinois, Texas, South Carolina and the nation.

In 1989, while completing his dissertation, Peters received the William Chandler Bagley Scholarship. Like many doctoral students, he remembers that time as one of struggle and self-doubt. Being selected for the merit-based award provided more than just financial relief.

“What I needed and received, even more than the financial assistance, was an infusion of belief in my capacity as a scholar,” Peters says. “That I was selected by faculty … helped me carry on.”

The experience stayed with him. A memento from the scholarship has remained on his desk for nearly four decades—a daily reminder of the impact of encouragement at a critical moment. It also shaped his vision for giving: to provide not only resources, but reassurance to future scholars.

That vision is inseparable from the people for whom the scholarship is named, his parents, Thomas F. and Theresa S. Peters. His “first and best teachers,” their influence on his life was profound, though often expressed not through words, but through consistent action.

Theresa was a multitasking homemaker who could simultaneously cook dinner, iron clothes, and quiz her children on spelling words. Thomas F., a Korean War veteran and a draftsman/metallurgist by trade, was known for his droll sense of humor and his quiet, consistent way of leading by example. Firm in their faith, focused on their family, and with high expectations for education, they raised four children, all of whom were first-generation college degree recipients.

Consistency and high expectations were evident in everyday commitments: never missing parent-teacher conferences, supporting schools and educators, and ensuring homework was completed. That foundation influenced not only Peters’ academic success but also his lifelong commitment to teaching and learning.

“They never really talked about the ‘why,’” says Peters. “It was about the expectation—and they acted on that.”

After losing both parents to Alzheimer’s disease, Peters found himself reflecting on their impact and the importance of acting on long-held intentions.

“This has reminded me that the time to act on a promise or a dream is sooner than later,” he says.

By naming the scholarship in their honor, Peters ensures their legacy continues in a tangible, lasting way. Future graduate students will benefit from the values they instilled: commitment, discipline and belief in the power of education.

The scholarship also reflects Peters’ enduring dedication to STEM education. He has worked to build the capacity of STEM educators nationwide for more than 30 years and recently retired as the senior advisor of South Carolina's Coalition for Mathematics and Science at Clemson University. As experienced leaders retire, he sees a growing need to support those entering the field.

“The need is not diminishing,” says Peters. “There should be more [STEM leaders]—everywhere.”

For Peters, the scholarship is an opportunity to continue the “multiplier effect,” or the ability to meaningfully impact many lives, that he experienced as an educator. Through this scholarship, he will be supporting the next generation of STEM educators and ultimately the learning experiences and environments of future students.

Now an emeritus faculty member at Clemson University, Peters continues mentoring emerging STEM leaders while devoting more time to family and personal interests. Still, his connection to Illinois—and to the values shaped by his parents—remains strong.

“My parents were present the day I received the William Chandler Bagley Scholarship,” says Peters. “Now they’ll be present in name for more STEM education scholars in the years to come.”

If you want to support the Thomas F. & Theresa S. Peters STEM Education Scholarship or create similar opportunities for students, faculty, research, and programs, please email the College's Office of Advancement or visit our Giving page.