30-04-2025
Eye-popping gift from closed Central Mass. college will help school mission continue
Becker College, which closed in 2021, donated $13 million to the Greater Worcester Community Foundation for a new scholarship program.
The donation went towards the creation of the Becker Scholarship Program, which includes the Becker Scholarship Fund and the Becker Global Public Service Award, the foundation announced on April 4.
The Greater Worcester Community Foundation is a non-profit organization that awards scholarships to students across Worcester County.
In 2024, the foundation awarded 428 scholarships to students, committing $1.6 million in one-time and multi-year awards, according to a press release on the organization's website.
With the creation of the Becker Scholarship Fund, the foundation's annual scholarship award distribution will increase by at least $400,000, providing students with multi-year scholarships to cover the costs of tuition, room and board, books and academic materials and other eligible costs of college attendance, the press release reads.
A total of $10.2 million has been allocated to the fund.
'This generous gift from Becker College is a transformational investment in Worcester County students,' said Pete Dunn, President & CEO of the Greater Worcester Community Foundation. 'We are honored to steward this fund and carry forward Becker College's legacy of opportunity and service.'
The Becker Global Public Service Award, will provide a monetary award to support a humanitarian project to be developed and led by a rising or graduating college or university senior, the press release reads.
A total of $2 million has been allocated for the award.
'Becker College was dedicated to preparing students for meaningful careers and service to the world,' said Christine Cassidy, board chair of Becker College.
'This gift ensures that commitment lives on. The Becker Scholarship Program is a lasting tribute to Becker College's mission and values, reaffirming that our top priority was, and always will be, the students.'
Additionally, the gift from Becker College includes the transfer of $778,000 to the Grace S. Hampel Scholarship Fund. The fund prioritizes graduating seniors of Hoosac Valley High School who plan to attend college in Worcester County, the press release reads.
Becker College closed because of enrollment and financial challenges, with the campuses in Worcester and Leicester having been sold off to the towns or developers.
The college has also donated $274,212 to Mount Wachusett Community College for its veterinary technology program, expanding upon a previous $1.24 million donation made to Worcester State University.
The Worcester State University donation was for the creation of endowed scholarships for nursing leadership and faculty development, as well as a new study abroad program for healthcare leadership.
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