Alumni

Scholarships

Fitchburg State University offers the following scholarships through the generosity of alumni, trustees, staff, and friends. Awards are based on a variety of criteria including academic merit, special talents, commitment to the university, and demonstrated financial need.

  • A student must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress as defined in the University Catalog to be eligible for Fitchburg State University scholarship awards. Students must not be on any form of disciplinary/probation status.
  • Scholarships are a form of financial aid and will be considered a resource in the total aid package.
  • Award amounts will be split between the fall and spring semester unless otherwise noted. If a student is only in attendance for one semester, by design or circumstance, the unused balance will be returned to the fund.

areas of Scholarship Support:

The annual application period for scholarships is February 1 - March 1. For questions, please contact the financial aid office.


Admissions Scholarships

Please contact the Admissions office for more information on these and other scholarships awarded to entering first year students.

Ethel P. Mandrus Donahue ’41 Scholarship

Awarded to an incoming student intending to enter the Special Education Teacher Certification program. The recipient must demonstrate financial need and be a resident of Hampden County, MA. Renewable as long as the recipient remains in the Special Education program maintaining a 3.0 GPA.

Fitchburg Mutual Insurance Company’s W. Bruce Adams Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to a public high school graduate with a minimum GPA of 3.0 from the towns of Ashburnham, Ashby, Fitchburg, Leominster, Lunenburg or Westminster. Recipient must be a first-year student with a parent adjusted gross income of $40,000-$60,000. Not renewable. 

Henry Frank Scholarship

Awarded to a full-time entering freshmen and/or transfer student from Norwalk, Connecticut, or within a 15-mile radius of Orange, Massachusetts (including Athol, Erving, New Salem, Northfield, Orange, Phillipston, Petersham, Royalston, Shutesbury, Templeton, Warwick and Wendell). Preference is given to a student from Norwalk. Selection is based on academic achievement. No application is necessary. Renewable for Norwalk residents only.

Jeanne M. Joyal ’53 Scholarship
Awarded to a freshman student, based on financial need and/or merit. Recipient must be an Elementary Education major and a resident of Western Massachusetts. Participation in extracurricular activities and/or community service considered. Renewable. 

Ruth Lee Scholarship

Awarded to a student from the North Central Massachusetts region (the cities and towns included in the North Central MA Chamber of Commerce membership.) Recipient will be chosen on the basis of academic merit.

Myra McGuirk-Bonitz ’14 and Arlene (Bonitz) Bentley ’52 Scholarship

Awarded to a full-time incoming freshmen student majoring in Education. Recipient must be a  resident of Worcester County, with preference given to residents of Fitchburg and Leominster. Preference given to female students and students interested in pursuing K-12 teaching careers, including special education. Renewable if incoming freshman class does not meet criteria.

Ying Gean and Sui King Yee Scholarship

Awarded to an incoming Asian-American student, based on financial need and/ or merit. Participation in extra-curricular activities and/or community service considered. Renewable.

 Alumni Association Scholarships

Alumni Legacy Scholarship

Awarded to a full-time undergraduate student who has completed at least one semester at Fitchburg State University and have a grandparent, parent, spouse, sibling or dependent who is a Fitchburg State University alumnus/a. Priority is based on academic excellence and/or financial need. 

Mary F. Burnham and Mary Frances Burnham Scholarship

Awarded to a full-time undergraduate who has completed at least one semester at Fitchburg State University. Students must be working to support their education. Demonstrated financial need is preferred. 

Vincent J. Mara Scholarship

Awarded to a full-time student who demonstrate academic excellence with a GPA of 3.5 or above and/or community service or extracurricular activities. 

Dean Rachupka ’93 Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to an undergraduate student majoring in Education. Student must be a resident of North Central Massachusetts (Ashburnham, Ashby, Ayer, Barre, Berlin, Bolton, Clinton, Fitchburg, Gardner, Groton, Harvard, Hubbardston, Lancaster, Leominster, Lunenburg, Pepperell, Princeton, Shirley, Sterling, Templeton, Townsend, Westminster, Winchendon). The scholarships are for one year as long as a 3.0 or higher GPA is maintained. Preference will be given to non-repeating student recipients. Preference will also be given to students who display evidence of good character and active participation in extra-curricular activities and/or community service. This award is presented during the spring semester at the Honors Convocation.


 Departmental Scholarships

Please contact the department listed for additional information and to apply.
Departmental scholarships offer the unique opportunity for returning students to work closely with the department chairperson of their specific discipline. Priority is given to those students with a record of academic excellence and previous departmental service. Decisions are made through each specific department.

Matti N. Antila Poetry Award

Awarded to a junior. Contact the English department.

Lena Caron Award

Awarded to a graduating senior enrolled in Special Education who has shown expertise in teaching students. Contact the Education department.

Stephen W. Clair Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to a Geography/Earth Science major who has earned at least 30 credits, has at least a 3.0 GPA, is an active member of the Geography Club, and demonstrates financial need. Contact the Geo/Physical Sciences department.

Roberta Fitzmaurice Connors ’63 Scholarship

Awarded to a full-time Early Childhood Education major who demonstrates the ability to be an outstanding early childhood educator. Candidates must have earned at least junior status.

Garrett Conrad Scholarship

Awarded to a student with a disability. Applicants must be registered with Disability Services, qualify under ADA, enroll for at least six credits each semester, and have completed at least one semester at Fitchburg State University. Preference will be given to students with an outstanding record of service and commitment to the University and community. 

Elaine T. Coyne Women in Film Scholarship

Awarded by the Communications Media department to a female student under criteria established by the department. Contact the Communications Media department.

Matthew C. Dimacale Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to a non-traditional Education major who plans to teach. Eligible to incoming freshmen as well as sophomores, juniors and seniors. Preference will be given to students with some musical background. Contact the Education department.

Kay Flynn ’57 Special Education Scholarship

Awarded to a full-time sophomore, junior or senior with a primary concentration in Special Education with a 3.2 GPA or higher. Preference will be given to non-repeating student recipients. Preference will be given to students who display evidence of good character and active participation in extra-curricular activities and/or community service with special needs individuals. If a student fails to return to school, does not complete both semesters of the academic year, or does not meet the criteria, the remaining scholarship may be awarded immediately to a deserving student following the above criteria. The faculty of the Fitchburg State University Special Education program or its successor program or department will select a recipient (and a secondary recipient in the event that the primary recipient cannot accept the scholarship) who meets these criteria. Contact the Education department.

James H. Guertin Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to a full-time North Central Massachusetts Nursing student exhibiting financial need. Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors are eligible. May be renewable up to two years. Contact the Nursing department.

Patrick and Mary Hammond Band Scholarship

Awarded to a full-time student chosen as an outstanding member of the Fitchburg State University Band. Contact the Band Director.

Leo J. Hines Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to a qualified English major demonstrating academic excellence. Contact the English department.

William Keough Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to a full-time undergraduate who has completed at least one semester at Fitchburg State University with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in English. Preference will be given to students excelling in creative writing. Minorities are encouraged to apply. Contact the English department.

Lou Lorenzen Visual & Performing Arts Award

Awarded to a full-time sophomore student becoming a junior with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Preference will be given to a Communications Media major who also minors in Art, or shows aptitude, promise and/or a deep interest in art. Preference is given to students with financial need. Secondary preference is to be based on the student GPA. Contact the Communications Media department.

Daniel A. Mahoney Scholarship presented by J.M. Coull, Inc.

Awarded to a full-time junior with a focus in construction management with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Preference will be given to a student active in the NAHB club.

Charles D. Maner Scholarship

Awarded to a full-time undergraduate student, employed by the Technology Department, who has a passion for technology and is an outstanding Technology Department student employee. Students should have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, with preference for a major of business, computer science, economics, but not limited to such majors. Recipient will be selected by the CIO and the IT management team and recognized at convocation.

Francis Marcille ’60 Memorial Award

Awarded to an outstanding undergraduate (based on University involvement and community service) Industrial Technology major, with a minimum GPA of 3.0, who will enter the field of education. Preference given to students seeking employment in Massachusetts. Contact the Industrial Technology department. 

Eunice J. Matson Scholarship

Awarded annually to one full-time junior or senior Special Education major and one full-time junior or senior majoring in one of the academic programs in the Behavioral Sciences Department. Each award is based upon community involvement, leadership, scholarship, financial need and a narrative (essay on why you should be considered for the scholarship). Contact the Education department or Behavioral Science department.

Dr. Anne May Memorial Award

Awarded to a full-time sophomore, junior or senior majoring in Special Education with a minimum GPA of 3.2. Preference will be given to students who excel in community service with special needs individuals. Students must demonstrate the ability to be an outstanding special educator. Amount: (2) $500.

North End Subaru Mazda Community Service and Business Scholarship

Awarded to a full-time junior student becoming a senior with a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA). Recipients must be residents of the North Central Massachusetts region and must also demonstrate involvement with their community, including outreach, community service, participation, and any other involvement relating to bettering themselves and their community, which may include, but not be limited to, internship and service work related to their educational experience at Fitchburg State. Contact the Business department.

Helen T. O’Flaherty Scholarship

Awarded to an Early Childhood Education major who demonstrates financial need. Preference will be given to minority applicants. Award is renewable if recipient maintains satisfactory academic progress as defined by the University. Contact the Education department.

Owens-Mara Scholarship

Awarded annually to an Elementary Education major completing junior level work during the spring semester and selected by the Education department based upon promise as a future elementary leader. Contact the Education department.

Louis P. Shepherd Award in Creative Writing

Awarded to the year's best student portfolio of creative writing. The award is open to all students regardless of major and/or formal course work in English. Contact the English department.

Louis P. Shepherd Scholarship

Awarded to a student showing achievement in the English discipline. Contact the English department.

Special Education Scholarship

Awarded to a Special Education major. Contact the Education department.

Student Government Association Scholarships

Awarded to sophomores, juniors, or seniors with a minimum 2.2 cumulative GPA and a record of student leadership. Contact the Student Government Association. 

Visiting Nursing Association Trust Scholarship

Awarded annually to a Nursing major. Contact the Nursing department.

Robert W. Wilson Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to a full-time undergraduate student who has completed at least one semester with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in Communications Media. Preference will be given to students actively engaged in the community. Contact the Communications Media department. Print the application.


 Financial Aid Scholarships

Ken and Cherie Ansin ’96 Scholarship

Awarded to a non-traditional Human Services undergraduate student. 

W.E. Aubuchon Jr. Scholarship

Awarded to a student who resides in Aubuchon Hall. Financial need may be considered. 

Colin E. Bourn '63 English Scholarship

Awarded to a full-time undergraduate English major with demonstrated financial need.

Leo Bourque Scholarship

Awarded to a full-time student who is currently a resident of Leominster, and has lived in Leominster for a minimum of three years, demonstrating financial need. 

William E. Clark III Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to a student demonstrating academic achievement, financial need, and potential to succeed.

Class of 1942 Scholarship
Awarded to a full-time undergraduate with a 3.0 GPA and a record of demonstrated leadership in University activities.

Class of 1953 Scholarship
Awarded to a full-time junior education major with a 3.0 GPA who demonstrates financial need, participates in class activities, and supports the University.

Class of 1954 Scholarship
Awarded to a junior education major who demonstrates academic excellence, has financial need and is involved in school activities.

Class of 1955 Scholarship
Awarded to a full-time undergraduate who has completed at least one semester at Fitchburg State University.

Class of 1967 Scholarship
Awarded to a Fitchburg State University student chosen on the basis of academic merit and financial need.

A. Wallace Cunningham ’43 Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to a student demonstrating academic achievement and financial need.

Carol Mulloy Cuttle Scholarship

Awarded to a full-time undergraduate Special Education major who demonstrates academic excellence. Financial need and involvement in extracurricular activities will also be considered. A student from Fitchburg or surrounding communities is preferred.

Dr. Edward T. Donnelly Scholarship

Awarded to a full-time Education major or minor who demonstrates financial need.

Early Childhood Education Scholarship

Awarded to an Early Education major.

Esoteric Society Scholarship

Awarded to a current, full-time undergraduate student who maintains a 2.5 cumulative grade point average and demonstrates financial need.

Grace Gummo Nursing Scholarship

Awarded to a Nursing major.

Walter F. Harrod ’40 Scholarship

Awarded to a full-time Industrial Technology student who possesses a minimum GPA of 2.8 and has earned 90 credits. Preference will be given to students planning to enter a professional field in Industrial Technology. 

Patricia A. Hess ’94 Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to a full-time, non-traditional female student. Candidates must be undergraduate English and/or Economics, History, or Political Science majors with a minimum 3.0 GPA and 30 earned credits. Contact the Economics, History, and Political Science or English departments.

Donald '72, '79 and Karen Irving '90 “Pay It Forward” Scholarship
Awarded to four, full-time undergraduate students who maintain a minimum GPA of 2.7 and reside in Massachusetts.

As part of this scholarship program, the benefactors are providing this support to students who accept the moral obligation to, sometime during their lifetime, reciprocate the support they have received. Rather than “pay the money back” to the providers, recipients are asked to “pay it forward” to the scholarship program to help students in the future. While there is no legal obligation to pay back the funds, there is a conscientious commitment by the recipient to contribute back to the program in the future when possible.

Leary Family Scholarship

Awarded to a student who is a child  or grandchild of current or retired staff who have been employees for a minimum of three years at Fitchburg State University. 

Leblond-O’Sullivan Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to a full-time junior or senior with financial need and a record of service to the University. 

Leominster Credit Union Scholarship

Awarded to a sophomore, junior or senior student who resides in Worcester County with a minimum 2.75 cumulative grade point average (GPA). Recipients must also demonstrate a commitment to community service, by involvement with community organizations, nonprofits, clubs or other groups, which may include, but not be limited to, internship and service work related to their educational experience at Fitchburg State.

Buddy McMurray Good Fellowship Scholarship

Awarded to a student whose contributions to the University are positive, salutary, and inspirational of the goals for which they entered Fitchburg State University. 

Annette Rose Mitchell Nursing Scholarship

Awarded to a senior Nursing student who has maintained a 3.0 GPA.

Flora D. Mulholland Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to a Nursing student demonstrating high academic achievement and financial need.

Nypro Scholarship

Awarded to an undergraduate junior or senior majoring in the Science and Technology fields based on academic merit and financial need.

Kathleen Mary O'Neil Scholarship

Awarded to a full-time female undergraduate student, who is a U.S. citizen, who maintains a class rank in the upper 50 percent.

Dr. Anthony J. Polito ’48, ’49 and Florence D. Polito ’50 Family Memorial Trust

Awarded in honor of Fitchburg State University veterans and all Fitchburg State University faculty members who have served the institution.

John L. Powers Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to an Industrial Technology major who has maintained at least a 2.0 GPA and demonstrates financial need.

Clifford Querolo Scholarship

Awarded to a student in the Industrial Technology Program, or to one who intends to teach industrial, vocational or occupational education.

Michael P. and Barbara Riccards Scholarship

Awarded to a full-time undergraduate on the basis of financial need and academic record.

Albert P. Russo '52 Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to a full-time undergraduate junior or senior majoring in education and demonstrates financial need.

Sterilite Corporation Scholarship

Awarded to a student who demonstrates financial need.

Daniel J. Sullivan Scholarship
Awarded to a student demonstrating financial need.

Philip J. Tardanico Scholarship
Awarded to a junior Industrial Technology or Education major who is a U.S. citizen and demonstrates academic excellence, leadership, strong moral character, and financial need. Preference will be given to Industrial Technology students who show a commitment towards a career in teaching. Candidates must be U.S. citizens. A letter of reference must be submitted from a faculty member of the Industrial Technology or Education departments.

Dr. Burnham Walker Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to a full-time Biology or Nursing major who demonstrates academic achievement and financial need.

Lara A. Willard Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to a female, full-time, undergraduate Nursing student evidencing scholastic achievement, demonstrated financial need and the potential to succeed. 

Carl T. Witherell Scholarship

Awarded to a full-time undergraduate Industrial Technology major.

Xarras Scholarship
Awarded to a graduate of Fitchburg High School.


 Graduate and Continuing Education Scholarships

Carla Borg Scholarship

Awarded to a graduate student in Special Education who has demonstrated exemplary skills in integrating students into the general education classroom. Nominations and selection are conducted by the department. Contact the Special Education Graduate Program Chair.

Dean’s Graduate Scholarship

Awarded annually to graduate students with a minimum of a 3.5 undergraduate GPA or a 4.0 graduate GPA. Students must be recommended by their graduate program chair or advisor. View the application and criteria.

Dean’s Undergraduate Award

Awarded annually to a student enrolled in a Continuing Education evening undergraduate degree program, who has earned at least 49 credits, with a 3.5 or better cumulative GPA. Students must be recommended by their advisors or other faculty members. Contact the Graduate and Continuing Education office.

Jack and Lou Leamy Scholarship

Awarded to a graduate student who is involved in local community service. Print the application and criteria. 

Dorothy Holmes Toporeck ’28 Scholarship

This scholarship recognizes students for their scholastic excellence in undergraduate studies who are pursuing a master’s degree. The requirements of the scholarship state that it will be awarded to graduates of Fitchburg State University’s undergraduate program (with a 3.25 cumulative GPA) who are accepted into a graduate program at the University. Currently enrolled students in the University’s master’s degree program must demonstrate an earned 3.75 cumulative GPA and receive the recommendation of their graduate advisors or graduate program chairs. Print the application and criteria. 

 Center for Italian Culture Scholarships

Center for Italian Culture Scholarship

Awarded to a student pursuing academic studies in Italian language, Italian culture or Western Civilization at Fitchburg State University. Preference will be given to students who minor in Italian Studies. Please fill out the general online application and submit to Financial Aid. Visit the CIC website for specific requirements.


 Scholarship Application Instructions

For Alumni Association, Financial Aid, and Center for Italian Scholarships:

  • Complete the online application form, including the personal statement.
  • Email the completed and digitally signed application or print the completed application form and sign.
  • An attached letter of recommendation from a faculty member or University staff member must be included. The letter should attest to your academic achievements and/or your community involvement and leadership. Applications without a letter of recommendation will not be considered.
  • If you are applying for a scholarship that considers financial need, you are required to apply for financial aid, using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Please contact the Financial Aid office for more information.
  • Mailed applications and appropriate documents may be sent to:

The Financial Aid Office
Scholarship Committee
Fitchburg State University
160 Pearl Street
Fitchburg, MA 01420
978-665-3156
finaid@fitchburgstate.edu

For Admission, Departmental, and Graduate and Continuing Education scholarships, please contact the department or office listed.

It is the policy and commitment of Fitchburg State University not to discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, age, sexual orientation, gender, disability, veteran status, marital status, or national origin in its educational programs, activities, admissions or employment policies and to actively comply with the requirements of Federal Executive Orders 11246 and 11375 as amended; the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended; Title IX of the Educational Act of 1972; Section 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Section 402, Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974; the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1988; Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; the Civil Rights act of 1991; and pertinent laws, regulations and Executive Orders, Directives of the Board of Higher Education Coordinating Council of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and other applicable state and federal statutes.