Worcester State Magazine – Fall 2023

The messages appeared by the hundreds across Facebook, online and in handwritten notes. Messages of gratitude. Well wishes and good luck. And so many memories of the ways Tara Hancock MS ‘06, during her 18 years in Alumni Relations at Worcester State, has made a difference to students, alumni, and her colleagues. “Wouldn’t have been […]

Worcester State University awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters to legendary NBA point guard Bob Cousy for the 2023 Commencement. Cousy played for the Boston Celtics from 1950 to 1963. During that time, he supported his African American teammates when they faced harassment and discrimination and formed the first professional sports union, the National Basketball […]

Patricia M. (Conlon) Albrecht ’60 December 16, 2022 Marie A. Arduini Friend of the university November 19, 2022 Ronald C. Arsenault ’80 January 7, 2023 Cynthia A. Barry ’99 February 26, 2023 William L. Beando ’67, MEd ’74 November 5, 2022 John E. Belton ’88 December 24, 2022 Margaret M. (Toomey) Bennett ’63, MEd ’89 […]

Gordon S. Matheson, PhD Gordon S. Matheson passed away suddenly at his home in Rutland, Mass., March 7, 2023. He was born in Springfield, Mass., November 11, 1942, to the late Malcolm and Mabel Matheson. He graduated from Olivet College in Michigan and earned a master’s degree and CAGS from Assumption and a doctorate from […]

The beloved alumnus, benefactor, and friend is remembered for his leadership, caring, and generosity. The university’s first major benefactor, Robert K. O’Brien ’58 launched the Next Big Idea, an entrepreneurship competition meant to foster the next generation of business leaders, in 2013. That year, at the very last minute, a sophomore named Derek Canton entered […]

Worcester native John J. Lynch ’98 has been following the call to write for the big screen since he was kid. His latest short film is gaining attention as it shows in film festivals around the country. Story and photos by Nancy Sheehan John J. Lynch took a gamble on an idea close to his […]

Norms of Violence: Violent Socialization Processes and the Spillover Effect for Youth Crime By Associate Professor Aimee X. Delaney Routledge, September 2022 When Aimée X. Delaney was in high school, she knew she wanted to go into law enforcement because she wanted to help people. When she started her first job, though, she found the […]

Researchers find consumers are less likely to engage with this fast-spreading technology when they anticipate feeling embarrassed. By Nancy Sheehan You’re searching online for a pain relief remedy. A friendly little chatbot pops up with a smile and announces: “Hi there, I’m Emma. I’ll be happy to help you find the perfect hemorrhoid cream for […]

From Worcester State to Team USA, Clare Conway has made her mark on women’s ice hockey. Allison Coppinger Worcester State women’s ice hockey player Clare Conway celebrated her 23rd birthday on January 18 like no other—in front of 3,000 people, competing on Team USA in the International University Sports Federation (FISU) World University game against […]

New LGBTQ+ academic award named for alumni leaders and awarded to accomplished graduating senior and digital animator Griffin Weber. By Deborah Alvarez O’Neil Photos by Matt Wright ’10 In the make-believe world of YouTube show Excellent Entities, the endearing little characters undertake some outrageous hijinks and more than a bit of troublemaking as they vie […]