Celebrating Thomas Greenhalgh’s Legacy: A Scholarship to Honor a Young Engineer’s Passion for NC State and Family

RALEIGH, NC – Thomas Greenhalgh’s life and legacy have been celebrated through the Thomas M. Greenhalgh Memorial Scholarship, which honors his passion for NC State University, engineering, and his deep family connection. This scholarship was established in 2019 by his father-in-law, Ken Valach, to support future Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) students at NC State, continuing Thomas’ legacy even after his tragic passing at 30 years old.

Thomas Greenhalgh’s mother, Bonnie Greenhalgh, is further deepening the family’s ties to NC State through a newly expanded scholarship endowment at the College of Veterinary Medicine. Established in honor of her golden retrievers, the gift is allowing future generations of veterinarians to train at North Carolina’s only veterinary medical college and serve families like Greenhalgh’s across the state.

A Lifelong Connection to NC State

Thomas’ bond with NC State was strong from an early age. As a child growing up in Raleigh, he attended countless sporting events with his family, developing a deep love for the Wolfpack. Bonnie Greenhalgh, an NC State alumna, recalls how Thomas and his younger brother, Patrick, reveled in the excitement of football and baseball games. This connection to NC State laid the foundation for Thomas’s decision to pursue a Materials Science and Engineering degree.

From High School to Graduation: A Passion for Materials Science and Engineering Grows

The spark for his engineering career came when Thomas attended an MSE summer camp during high school: “Mom, I just found out how tempered glass is made!” he told Bonnie excitedly, a moment that confirmed his passion for engineering. Despite facing academic challenges, Thomas’ perseverance allowed him to earn his degree in MSE and later thrive as a senior process engineer at Ellwood Texas Forge Houston.

A Tragic Loss Inspires A Memorial Scholarship

In February 2018, Thomas married Ali, and Bonnie had the joy of dancing with him at her son Patrick’s wedding in 2016: an unforgettable moment. But in 2019, after a brief illness, Thomas’ life was tragically cut short. His family, devastated by the loss, sought a way to honor his memory. Ken Valach, Thomas’ father-in-law, established the Thomas M. Greenhalgh Memorial Scholarship on the same day of his passing, a gift to help other students pursue their academic dreams just as Thomas had. “I wanted to do something to honor Thomas,” Ken shared. “He was such a bright, dedicated young man, and I knew that establishing this scholarship would keep his memory alive while helping students achieve their dreams.”

Bonnie is also expanding the Thomas M. Greenhalgh Memorial Scholarship by including a bequest to help grow the scholarship’s endowment. 

“Thomas’ scholarship inspired me to leave my legacy at NC State,” Bonnie explained. “Adding to his scholarship as a bequest when I die means the world to me too. More students can benefit as his scholarship grows over the years.”

The Thomas M. Greenhalgh Memorial Scholarship provides financial assistance to MSE students who demonstrate academic excellence, a passion for engineering, and demonstrate financial need. Bonnie’s planned gifts ensure that future students will benefit from the same sense of dedication and support that defined Thomas’ life.

Dr. Donald Brenner, Department Head and Kobe Steel Distinguished Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, shared, “The Thomas M. Greenhalgh Memorial Scholarship is not only a tribute to a dedicated student but also a lasting gift to the NC State community. Thomas’ contributions and character will continue to inspire future engineers, and Bonnie’s generosity is truly remarkable in creating opportunities for future generations of students.”

Bonnie Greenhalgh’s Additional Gift: Supporting Veterinary Medicine

As a symbol of his own family’s deep connection to NC State, Thomas’ legacy was further enriched by Bonnie’s decision to create a planned gift that supports veterinary education. Her beloved golden retrievers, an integral part of her life, inspired the contribution.

Bonnie’s love for her golden retrievers began at age 40 when she adopted her first puppy, Cody. This was her very first dog, and she was immediately captivated by the bond they shared. Their connection grew stronger over the years, and when Cody passed away in 2013 at 13 years old, it left a significant void in Bonnie’s life. She then adopted Sammy as her second golden, and later, Finley, her third and current golden. These dogs became integral members of her family, inspiring Bonnie to create a planned gift to support veterinary education at NC State, symbolizing the deep connection she calls her “Golden Boys.” While Bonnie never needed to take her goldens to the NC State Veterinary Hospital, she felt this was a fitting way to honor their profound bond. She believes that her grandchildren will one day understand the importance of her scholarship, knowing how much Finley means to them and how her goldens changed her life.

“I wanted the vet students to benefit from the way my Golden Boys changed my life,” she said. “My grandchildren love Finley so much, and one day they’ll be old enough to know about Grandma’s scholarship at a school where students learn to take care of animals.”

Bonnie established the scholarship fund through a planned giving bequest and has contributed to it in recent years, directly benefiting current veterinary students. This Day of Giving, Bonnie is increasing the bequest amount to make an even greater impact on the future of animal health and veterinary education across North Carolina. 

“Providing financial support decreases students’ debt-to-income ratio upon graduation, allowing them to begin their careers free from the strain of student loans and be able to more easily choose to work in underserved regions or specialized fields,” said Dr. Kate Meurs, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Celebrating Thomas’ Legacy on Day of Giving

On March 26, NC State alumni, students, and friends will join together to support the Thomas M. Greenhalgh Memorial Scholarship during the university’s annual Day of Giving. Bonnie’s words perfectly capture the sentiment behind her legacy: “My sons have always meant everything to me. This scholarship honors Thomas’ incredible work ethic and love for his family and school. I’m so proud to be part of the NC State community, and I know Thomas would be proud of the difference this scholarship makes.”

How to Support the Thomas M. Greenhalgh Memorial Scholarship

To support the Thomas M. Greenhalgh Memorial Scholarship, please visit the scholarship’s Giving Page.

For more information on how to give to NC State, please contact the NC State Engineering Foundation at 919-515-7458 or engr-foundation@ncsu.edu.

This legacy will continue to impact NC State students and shape the future of engineering and veterinary medicine for generations to come. 

This post was originally published in Department of Materials Science and Engineering.