Roger and Debbie Thompson live on Saint Mary's College esteemed campus in Moraga and have made themselves accessible pillars within these student grounds. This family is immersed in learning. Roger and Debbie met at the University of Missouri. Roger went on to pursue Higher Ed & Administration, at numerous institutions including varied roles in Enrollment, Student Services and Health Services to name a few.  They have two grown daughters that have advanced degrees - one is a Professor at University, and the other a CPA for a large firm.  

They find many things to be extra special about the SMC community, such as the rich history and traditions at the school, encompassing faith, athletics, art and academics.

The school originated in San Francisco, then to Oakland,  before moving to Moraga in 1928.  There are the Lasallian Brothers, Award winning sports teams, an Accredited Art Museum, and the interconnectedness of the smaller student body, to name a few.  This is an achieving collect of students across the board.  Most recently in athletics, they have championed across Rugby, Women's Softball, Men's Basketball, and Soccer teams. 

The Thompson's  have enjoyed making connections with the students in their first 18 months. They look back on how students hospitably brought them flowers or treats when they first arrived, and were very welcoming as a whole.  Debbie has students over to make cookies occasionally and they also open their home for new students in the summer, hosting barbeques or ice cream social events.  In her free time Deb enjoys crocheting, knitting, drawing, as well as hiking the abundant local trails.  Roger likes to golf when he can fit it in the schedule.  They both enjoy productions in the Lafevre theatre, and music by the many groups that sometimes perform in the iconic Chapel.  

The ~2800 student campus is growing under Roger's vision and has plans underway to renovate the library, implement new lights for the baseball field, add an Aquatics complex, and repurpose multiple buildings for the new/enhanced Nursing division.  There are exciting new developments on the horizon within this roughly 450 acre space.  Special shout out to Campolindo for sharing their pool and aquatics facilities in the past!  

The sentiment about the Town of Moraga, is that we should all cross pollinate a little more and share the activities that are established in all areas of Moraga, for maximum benefit to the Township holistically.   Many Town residents come to watch the Gaels play basketball and other sports.  For example, when the students are away on breaks, the basketball arena still fills up with locals! (Much credit to Randy Bennett's 25 year legacy)  

Hopefully the new lights coming to the baseball field area, will also bring more community together.  

The William Keith art exhibit has been well received by many Town people, as the SMC art museum has been a source of community enjoyment for years.  As an art compliment, it is worth mention that there is a Moraga Art Gallery in Rheem Center, which houses an artist who has focused on SMC artifacts (to be featured in an upcoming issue).  Additionally we have Moraga Arts in Public Spaces (MAPS) org responsible for developing the displays in the West Commons and on the Trails, all of which contributes to the beautification of Moraga's art history, culture and education. The arts are important to Roger & Debbie (who is a bit of an artist herself)  They have enjoyed a wide range of types of performances on and off campus, and they attend as many events as possible.  In this period of "first experiences" for Roger and Debbie, the Alumni reunion chapel speech was a prominent fond memory, if they could pick just one.    

When their family takes vacation time away from Moraga, they like to recreate in Tahoe or Palm Desert and visit with extended family.  All four members of their nucleus are Jeep fanatics, so this family is not afraid to take to the road and explore.  

All in all, the Thompsons are adjusting well into their Moraga life, and they are very grateful to continue connecting with students, alumnae, faculty, town residents and establishments, in a meaningful and repeatable way.   Roger started out as a young man in the Greater East Bay, moving to Oregon for his middle and high school years.  They have family in Marin and are right at home here in Motown!