Ernie Thimpson

Wabash Valley standout returns to college almost three decades later and earns his degree

Patriots in 2011.... as a standout football player at terre haute north, iu and a former nfl player ernie thompson has had the spotlight on him.... this past weekend the spotlight was once again on him, but for a completely different reason....one's he's very proud of.... < playing in the nfl was special, but it never satisfied one need for ernie thompson.... "as athlete's you don't like to leave anything out there.

Loose ends.

Knew it was out there".

What was out there was the fact that in 1991, as a junior ernie left iu for the nfl without graduating.... "i did enough to remain eligible but it left me one year short".

So last fall at the age of 49, this former nfl player returned to bloomington and entered iu's hoosier for life program.

Ernie wanted to earn his college degree, so he'd feel comfortable looking himself in the mirror!

"13 years working for vigo county school corporation.

I walked into homes.

Talked with students, parents who were having a hard time finishing school.

Felt like a hypocrit knowing i had this out there.

Some unfinished business.

That was my driving factor.

Be some sort of inspiration to young people".

This past saturday ernie delivered on his word, he graduated from iu with a degree in liberal studies.... "huge challenge.

Didn't take any shortcuts.

Stand now a graduate from indiana university.

Certainly towards the top of my accomplishments".

Ernie made one thing very clear to me, going back to college wasn't easy....especially after being away for almost 30 years, but he wants all those that are trying to do it or thinking about it.

If he can get it done, so can you!

"i wanted to be an inspiration for not only to younger people but to older individuals who have dreams that they put on self.

Still nagging at them.

Want to help them realize there dreams also".> ernie told me after he took his first test back in september it was such a humbling expierence... well in eight months he learned quickly because he texted me monday saying he found out he earned