Two people hug at a graduation ceremony, celebrating not just a milestone but an anniversary of hard work and dedication. One wears a cap and gown, holding a phone and diploma, while others look on fondly in the background.

For 150 years...

Worcester State University has been driven by a deep and abiding sense of place and purpose.

Our place is Worcester, the heart of the Commonwealth and a hub of innovation, industry, and culture. A place where people of diverse interests and backgrounds have come together to pursue a bright future for their families and their community.

Our purpose is rooted in our commitment to making higher education accessible to everyone. We cultivate an environment in which learners can explore, discover, create, and achieve. Come as you are and leave the best version of yourself.

Join us as we celebrate 150 years of learning, impact and belonging and help us envision a brighter tomorrow in the place we call home.
History and Timeline
1874
State Normal School at Worcester opens its campus on St. Ann’s Hill
1880
Apprenticeship program that placed Worcester State students into city schools for training and observation is introduced.
Graduate’s Association, the parent organization of all alumni activities, is founded.
1891
The first dormitory, Stoddard Terrace, is built.
1915
Enrollment is limited to women.
1921
A 4-year bachelor’s degree program is introduced.
1932
The school reopens as Worcester State Teachers College at its new location on Chandler Street.
1940
Male students are admitted for the first time since 1915.
1940-1941
Women’s Athletic Association is formed.
1941-1942
Men’s Athletic Association is formed.
1949
The first master’s degree is awarded.
1960
The school receives State College designation.
1965
Sullivan Academic Center opens.
1971
The Learning Resource Center opens.
1973
Chandler Village student residence halls open.
1978
Student Center opens.
1990
Dowden Hall opens.
1994
Worcester State Foundation is established.
2000
The Ghosh Science & Technology Center opens.
The Latino Education Institute is founded.
2004
Wasylean Hall opens.
2010
Renamed Worcester State University
2014
Sheehan Hall opens.
2016
The Gene J. and Julianne DeFeudis Wellness Center opens.
2023
Worcester State welcomes its second largest incoming first-year class.
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Why the Tiffany Gates?

The Tiffany Gates were selected for the 150th anniversary for their historical and cultural value to the university. The Gates were a gift of the Worcester Normal School’s Graduates' Association and installed in 1914 at the original campus on St. Anne’s Hill. For the 150th anniversary, the university undertook a restoration of the Gates with Hammersmith Studios of Canton, a highly regarded metalworking firm.

The gates are unusual not only because they were designed by Tiffany, but because they were made by the highly regarded craftsmen in the company’s studios in Corona, Queens, N.Y. The studios were founded by renowned artist Louis Comfort Tiffany (1848-1933), son of the founder of the famous jewelry store. Best known for stained glass, Tiffany Studios also produced metalwork, though only for a relatively brief time, which makes the gates even more distinctive.

Get Involved!

Committee

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Lois Wims
Provost/Vice President

Department: Academic Affairs

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Ashlynn Allain
Executive Staff Associate

Department: Office of President

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Matthew Bejune
Executive Director

Department: Library

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Julie Carmel
Director

Department: OneCard/Student Accounts

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Noah Dion
Director, Academic Affairs Support

Department: Academic Affairs

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Kelly Downs
Staff Associate, Coordinator of Student-Athlete Support Services

Department: Athletics

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Kelly Lin
Director of Marketing

Department: Marketing

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Thomas McNamara
Vice President , University Advancement

Department: University Advancement

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Deborah O'Neil
Director/Editorial Communications

Department: Communications and Marketing

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Sarah Potrikus
Assistant Director, Office of Student Involvement

Department: Office of Student Involvement & Leadership Development

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Felicia Riffelmacher
Executive Director

Department: University Advancement

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Maureen Stokes
Assistant Vice President for Communications and Marketing

Department: Communications and Marketing

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Louise Taylor
Director

Department: University Advancement