The Thomas P. Cawley Sr. Memorial Scholarship

Two $2,500.00 Awards. The Thomas P. Cawley Sr. Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to students at the undergraduate level who are enrolled full-time and in good academic standing, have a minimum GPA of 2.8, show evidence of financial need, and is a child, grandchild, or immediate family member of a current or retired member of the Worcester Fire Department.

Thomas P. Cawley Sr., dedicated husband of Rita O’Connor Cawley ’39 (Education) and father of David F. Cawley ’74 (Psychology), was a lifelong firefighter for the Worcester Fire Department, retiring as a District Chief of the department.

While Mr. Cawley did not have the opportunity to go to college due to the impact of World War II, he was a strong proponent and supporter of higher education, particularly Worcester State, the alma mater of his beloved wife, Rita, and son David.

A fire department is like a family, where one can always turn for help or assistance when in need. In honor of his father’s lifelong commitment to the Worcester community and his service as a firefighter, David Cawley and his wife Chris have established these two (2) scholarships to provide opportunity to the families of the Worcester Fire Department.

Applicants should submit an essay addressing what it means to them to be a family member of a current or retired member of the WFD and how this has shaped their educational and professional goals?