Thomas Francis Dunn Memorial Athletic Scholarship

Tom was a powerful, compassionate, and wildly complex individual. He was gentle, tender, lighthearted and sensitive;  a gentle man and a gentleman. Tom was proud of his hard-earned accomplishments but more often than not, he was humble.  He was exceptionally gifted in athletics, performing arts and emotional empathy. Tom made people laugh and brought abundant joy into the world.  Although he often had less than others financially he was always financially generous. Tom was a giver never a taker.   He listened patiently, attentively and compassionately,  not just with his ears but with an always-open heart and mind. Throughout his life, he maintained an amazing altruistic attitude.

Tom was a 1970 Rutland High School graduate,  an outstanding student-athlete, active and highly skilled in many sports.  Tom was elected to the Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl Team, was voted Vermont Athlete of the Month and won several awards for his unprecedented athletic  performances as part of the Rutland HS football team. In addition, Tom maintains, to this date, Rutland High School football running back records. He will be truly honored by this scholarship in his memory.

I am asking that friends and family, in lieu of flowers/gifts, honor his life by donating as generously as possible to this scholarship fund.  The higher the dollar value the scholarship is funded, the more years the foundation will give back to deserving students in Tom’s name.   Tom's nephews suggested a donation that included the number 46-  Tom's football number.  What a wonderful suggestion. With all due respect I ask that those who attended his celebration of life donate an amount that at least will cover that cost.  I also ask everyone to share the scholarship drive with other family, friends, and business associates and on social media.   Please tell Tom's story, share his charisma,  ask for a donation to his memory.  

I will match personally match, dollar for dollar,  any contribution that is received from anyone who was not at the Celebration of Life
ceremony.

This scholarship award will be offered yearly, considering both merit and need, to one hardworking, tenacious, altruistic graduating student-athlete.  The recipient may be male or female and should be pursuing a full-time 4-year college education in a helping profession defined as scholastics, science, social work, psychology, medicine, physical or occupational therapy, or nursing.

If you would like to see more about Tom, his Rutland Raider football years, his life, his likes, his family go to   his memorial website

                                                                      https://www.thomasfrancisdunn.com/