Scholarship to honor former student’s passion for building community bridges
A new endowed scholarship will honor former Seattle Central student Tommy Fotheringham, whose life was cut short by a tragic accident during a study abroad experience in Osaka, Japan, earlier this year.
The Fotheringham family has a strong connection to Seattle Central; in addition to Tommy, who spent nearly two years at the college, both his twin sister and older brother attended. Working with the Seattle Central Foundation, the family plans to create a new endowed scholarship that will help Seattle Central students realize their dreams for decades to come. So far, family and friends have contributed over $24,000 and any additional donations from the community are welcome. You can donate online here.
According to his parents, Tommy, who was just 23 when he died, had a gift for bringing people together. Friends throughout his short life credited Tommy with introducing them to his passions.
He appreciated the diversity of races, ages, genders and socio-economic backgrounds at Seattle Central and the Capitol Hill neighborhood. He deplored intolerance and served on the college’s Queer Straight Alliance, working to foster meaningful change for the LGBTQ community as a straight ally.
Passionate about Japanese culture, he became the president of Seattle Central’s Japanese Culture Club where he spearheaded projects with the local Japanese community. He believed that the study of languages helps to create a richer understanding of foreign cultures. His trip to Japan was a dream come true.
“We believe that Tommy will leave an enduring legacy with this scholarship. His love of life will go on through the students he helps,” said his mother, Cassie Fotheringham.