Antuane Thompson ’20, had plenty of options regarding his higher education plans. He was accepted to multiple universities while participating in a college degree path program at his high school. Thompson visited several of these campuses but says Valpo had something special he was looking for. “I kind of just fell in love with Valpo and the culture. I knew it was the school for me.” He continues, “It was a smaller school, so I knew I could build relationships with my professors and get that one-on-one experience. Valpo also allowed me to explore my degree options before choosing something. Plus, it wasn’t too far from my home in Chicago. If needed, I could get home in an hour and a half to be with my family.”
Ultimately, Antuane decided on electrical engineering as his major and fundamentals of business as his minor. As he became more involved in campus life, he noticed some significant differences at Valpo from the community he grew up in. “It was a bit of a culture shock for me initially.” He adds, “I had a lot of fun and met so many great people with different viewpoints.”
During his junior year, Thompson became a resident advisor in his dorm. He loved building relationships with the other RA’s and fellow students and creating a sense of community for those living there. Later, he worked at the University’s IT help desk inside the Christopher Center Library and enjoyed the flexible work environment and the people he met there. During his senior year, his schedule opened up a bit more, and Thompson was able to join the National Society of Black Engineers, a group he still participates in today.
Antuane also participated with his friends in intramurals and enjoyed the bonding experiences of being able to play basketball and other sports together. “My favorite place on campus has to be the rec center. I loved being able to go there and be active, de-stress, and hang out with friends. Back in Chicago, I always bonded with friends over a game of basketball, so being able to go to the rec center and meet people and play was really fun.” He adds, “It was like my sanctuary. My happy place.”
After graduating from Valpo in 2020, Thompson accepted a position with Eli Lilly based in Indianapolis. He says, “I graduated in 2020, right at the peak of the pandemic. When I first got to the city, it was shut down. I had never been to Indianapolis, so that was an interesting time.” Since beginning with the company, Antuane has been promoted to several new positions and is getting ready to celebrate four years of employment there. He has also begun experiencing all that the city has to offer, including doing some volunteer work. He says, “I volunteer on Saturday mornings working with 6th through 12th grade kids on STEM projects. One of my lifelong goals is to start an organization of my own that does something similar.” He adds, “I want to bring a program like this back to my community in Chicago. I was fortunate that my mother encouraged me to try new things and expand my knowledge. I noticed a gap in the community, and I’d like to help bring STEM opportunities and experiences to underserved and minority communities.”
Thompson has had several very influential people in his life to encourage him to continue striving and following his dreams. He credits his mother as being his superhero. “My mother raised two boys on her own and later my two younger siblings. To be that strong and to sacrifice herself for us, I see all of that love and commitment, and it’s something I can never repay her for. I am thankful for her every day.”
Antuane also credits his involvement in the Common Ground Foundation, led by rapper Common’s mother, Dr. Mahlia A. Hines, as a pivotal opportunity in his life. “Without them, I would not be where I am today. We were able to experience so many things like healthy living sessions, horseback riding, yoga, summer camps, ACT preparation, etc.” He continues, “I’ve also had so many professional teachers along the way who never gave up on me. I wasn’t always the easiest to work with, and they challenged me. I had a village to help me become who I am today.”
Thompson credits his experiences at Valpo with helping to prepare him for his career and life outside of school. To other young leaders, his advice is to not be afraid to ask questions. “Speak up for yourself in any situation and persevere. I always say, if something was easy, everybody would do it.” He adds, “So if it’s hard and challenging, that means you’re doing something right.”
