The Dr. Eugene A. Sullivan Scholarship

Criteria: (Two Full Annual Tuition Awards) Awarded to a new or current student whose major is Education. Preference given to, but is not limited to, the son or daughter of a Worcester State University graduate.

During his nearly 24 years as the fifth president of Worcester State, from 1947 to 1970, the late Dr. Eugene A. Sullivan led this institution through the transition from a small teachers college to a large, multi-purpose state college. Admired both for his brilliant mind and for his ability to get things done, Dr. Sullivan was known as a “doer” who followed through on any project in which he became involved.

Framingham State University President Dr. D. Justin McCarthy said of him in 1980, when the WSU Science Building was dedicated as the Eugene A. Sullivan Academic Center, “He had an impact on all people who came in contact with him, and that influence will last longer than any building.”

Dr. Sullivan was the youngest of the state college presidents when he became president at age 41. Prior to that, he had served as professor of biology and mathematics at Fordham University, as professor of physics and chemistry at Fitchburg State University, and as assistant principal at North Brookfield High School. Born and raised in Worcester, he received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Holy Cross College and a Master of Arts degree and a Master of Science degree from Boston College. He was awarded honorary doctoral degrees by Calvin Coolidge College and by the Trustees of the Massachusetts State College System. He became the first president emeritus of Worcester State University.

During World War II, Dr. Sullivan was commissioned a first lieutenant in the Army Air Corps. He was an award-winning marksman and an inventor. The Army used two of his inventions during the war. He was discharged in 1945 with the rank of major. Later, he taught Army/Air Force code-breaking courses in Worcester and retired from the service as a colonel in 1963. He received two commendations from the Army, one for superior scholastic ability and the other for his work as an instructor in applied tactics.

Dr. Sullivan served as president, director, board member or trustee of many professional and civic organizations, including the National Conference of Christians and Jews Association, the Massachusetts Council for Teacher Education, the Eastern States Association of Professional Schools for Teacher Education, the State College Presidents’ Association, the Worcester Area Community Chest (forerunner of the United Way), the Worcester Youth Guidance Clinic, and the Worcester Free Public Library. He was a cooperator of Bay State Savings Bank.

He was married to Rose M. (O’Donnell) for 43 years and had two daughters. At the dedication of the Eugene A. Sullivan Academic Center, Dr. Sullivan said, “I have faith in the future of Worcester State. All the graduates of Worcester State are my jewels.”

Dr. Sullivan’s commitment to the university lives on through this memorial fund established by his family following his death in 1981.