Johnnie and Thelma Mouning Memorial Scholarship Fund

Johnnie L. Mouning was born July 3, 1938, and Thelma L. Mouning was born November 15, 1937, in Greenville, North Carolina. They moved to New Haven, CT in the late 1950’s. Johnnie began his career at Yale University in 1959 and Thelma in 1965.  Together they devoted themselves to supporting research activities in the Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry. 

During their years with Prof. Frederic M. Richards' structural biology research group; Johnnie and Thelma made themselves indispensable to the faculty, students, and staff in the department. Whether they were washing glassware, developing photographs in the darkroom, setting up lab equipment, or performing a myriad number of support tasks; Johnnie and Thelma always seemed to be there for those who needed something done well and quickly. They were considered the "heart and soul" of the department. 

While raising four sons (Marvin, Gregory, Jeffrey and Kenneth), Johnnie managed to make time to earn his Associate and Bachelor’s degree from Quinnipiac (College) University in Hamden, CT.  Together, Johnnie and Thelma started their own consulting business, and travelled extensively throughout the United States, Africa, Europe, South America, Australia, and Asia. Often the Mouning travels included visits with former graduate students and postdocs in the department, who never forgot how much Johnnie and Thelma helped them in the early stages of their careers.

During his time at Yale University, Johnnie attended Yale Divinity School and became a minister. In the year 2000, they established Effectual Prayer Word Ministries (EPWM) in North Branford, CT; where Johnnie served as Pastor and Thelma as First Lady. Throughout their many years in ministry, they spent countless hours praying and counseling their parishioners. They also gave their time and resources to help those in need.

Johnnie's passing on September 18, 2007 marked the end of an era in the department. It inspired current and former members to establish a memorial scholarship fund at The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven. Upon Thelma’s passing on June 15, 2024 her name was added to this scholarship. In recognition of Johnnie and Thelma’s shared passion of blessing others; which is a hallmark of their mission and legacy. 

Donations to the Fund provide financial support for books and other educational materials to graduating high school seniors intending to major in Science or in the Performance or Visual Arts at a 4-year college.

Your donation is 100% tax deductible as allowable by law. To maximize your giving, please contact your company's Human Resources representative to see if your gift is eligible to be matched by your employer. If a matching gifts program is in effect, your employer can remit payment in Johnnie and Thelma's honor to:

Community Foundation for Greater New Haven
c/o Johnnie and Thelma Mouning Memorial Scholarship Fund
70 Audubon Street
New Haven, CT 06510-1248
FIN: 06-6032106