Albert G. Thompson

Albert Gray Thompson (Dec 5, 1928 – May 29, 2016) was an American educator and philanthropist. He spent the bulk of his academic career at Marquette University, although he also spent several years teaching and researching in Central America. After his retirement in 1988, he and his wife established a small coffee plantation outside Antigua Guatemala. They used the plantation as an educational tool, a fund-raising project (to provide scholarships and employment for local youth), and a tourist destination.

Finca Los Nietos At his 1988 retirement from Marquette University, explored silversmithing, and designed the house that they had built on the plantation. He became a self-taught expert on the local fauna, and cultivated several species of orchids.

By 2003 their small plantation boasted 2000 coffee trees, with an annual production of 400 lb (180 kg) of red coffee beans. They also purchased neighbors' crops, and provided a roasted product for market.

Scholarships In nearby San Antonio Aguas Calientes is the Hermano Pedro Catholic School (K-9th grades). The Thompsons spearheaded a scholarship fund for students, that was used to support 8 girls each year in the school. They also worked with donors from the States to construct a carpentry shop classroom at the school.

Published works Detours: From Classrooms to a Guatemalan Coffee Farm (2003)

Personal Thompson married Carolyn. They had five children.