Thompson Coburn is thrilled to announce that the 2025-2026 Eagleton Scholarship has been awarded to Blessing Agyare (University of Illinois College of Law) and Rebecca Lim (University of Missouri – Columbia School of Law).
The Thomas F. Eagleton Scholarship, established in honor of TC’s late partner and former U.S. Senator, is an annual award bestowed upon first-year law students. Recipients receive a year-long mentorship from a TC partner, a generous stipend, and a summer associate position the following summer. Currently, to be eligible for this prestigious scholarship, prospective Eagleton Scholars must be enrolled at one of the following law schools: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Saint Louis University, University of Missouri in Columbia, or Washington University.
“Thompson Coburn is proud to recognize Blessing and Rebecca for their potential as future leaders in the legal profession,” said Amanda Hettinger, Diversity Committee Co-Chair.
Blessing Agyare graduated cum laude from Northwestern University with a B.A. in Communication Studies and Political Science, earning honors such as the School of Communication Departmental Excellence Award and the Lucia May Wiant Award. She interned with State Representative Ann Williams, the Consortium of Social Science Associations, Her Bold Move, and the Georgia Justice Project, gaining hands-on experience in public policy, legal advocacy, and campaign strategy. At Northwestern, she held leadership roles in affinity-based student organizations, including the Northwestern Community Ensemble and the Black Mentorship Program.
“As a first-generation student, I am grateful for the opportunity to reflect the representation I have long sought through Thompson Coburn’s Eagleton Scholarship Program,” Blessing shared. “I value the firm’s commitment to advancing diversity in the legal field, and I’m excited to contribute to that ongoing legacy.”
Rebecca Lim graduated summa cum laude from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a B.A. in Human Development and Learning. She has held roles in human resources and education, including positions at 9Dot Education Solutions, Skilled Wound Care, and LA First Preschool, where she gained experience in benefits coordination, employee onboarding, and early childhood development. Rebecca also completed an administrative internship at Guineadad and volunteers with PIH Health, demonstrating her commitment to both organizational excellence and community service.
“It’s a privilege to be selected for Thompson Coburn’s Eagleton Scholarship,” said Rebecca. “I’m passionate about contributing meaningfully to the legal field and driving positive change.”
Each year, members of TC’s Diversity Committee volunteer to serve as Eagleton Scholarship Sub-Committee members and undertake the task of interviewing potential candidates.
This year’s Diversity Committee Scholarship Sub-Committee included:
- Amanda Hettinger, Partner, Diversity Committee Co-chair
- Norma Jackson, Chief Diversity & Attorney Development Officer
- Brian Lamping, Partner, Employment Committee Chair
- Manoo Mofidi,Partner
- Fred Richards, Partner
- Booker Shaw, Partner, Diversity Committee Co-chair
- Jasmine Wynton, Partner