A Century of Grace Influence: Alum Hollis Thoms (Class of 1962)

We were delighted to hear from Grace alum Hollis Thoms (Class of 1962) after he received our Alumni Connections newsletter. Hollis shared the deep and lasting impact that Grace Lutheran School and Church has had on his life and on his family for more than 100 years.

Hollis credits his seventh grade teacher and music director, Paul Bouman, as a profound influence on his education and future career. Grace’s close ties to Concordia University also connected him with notable church musicians Carl Schalk and Richard Hillert. Inspired by these experiences, Hollis pursued a life in music and education—becoming a composer, English and music teacher, school administrator, and later the director of ELCA schools in Southern California. His music is now part of Concordia University’s Church Music Center, and his work can be found at hollisthoms.com.

The Thoms and Cimaglio families have been a part of Grace’s story for generations. From contributing to Grace’s building program (1922–1968), to shaping Grace’s music ministry (1920s–1970s), to teaching, singing, and studying at Grace, their impact has spanned decades. Hollis’s grandfather Arthur was a soloist in the historic 1929 presentation of Queen Esther, and both his father and mother served Grace through music and teaching. Many of his siblings and cousins also attended Grace, making it a true family legacy.

Reflecting on this history, Hollis wrote:

“Grace Lutheran School and Church has had a tremendous influence on our family’s life for 100 years.”

Hollis also shared treasured photos: his first day of school at Grace (1953) and his boys’ basketball team photo after a Walther tournament win.

We are grateful for alumni like Hollis who remind us of the profound and lasting ways Grace shapes lives across generations.