The Cynthia J. (Swenson) Blair Memorial Scholarship

Criteria: ($500 Award) The Cynthia J. (Swenson) Blair Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to a matriculated, nontraditional student.

Dennis R. Blair has established a scholarship in loving memory of his wife of 25 years, Cindy Blair ’02, who passed away in August 2005. Friends, family, and members of the Worcester State University and Quinsigamond Community College communities have also contributed to this scholarship.

Cindy, who earned lasting respect and affection from her co-workers, was deeply committed to education. She earned an associate’s degree from QCC in 1979 and returned to school 19 years later, graduating at the age of 43 with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She worked in the Center for Lifelong Learning at QCC for 20 years before joining WSU as assistant to the executive officer of Massachusetts State Colleges. Most recently, she was assistant registrar at the University while working towards a master’s degree in Management.

As assistant registrar, one of her primary responsibilities was working with the Disability Services Office. She knew all the students with disabilities and had a wonderful rapport with them. Her rapport with her co-workers was equally strong.

Co-workers remember her fondly for her organizational skills, her lists, and her sense of humor. “She was serious when she needed to be, but when things got stressful she could lighten up the mood in two seconds,” recalled Andrea Wamboldt, director of the Academic Success Center. “She had a great sense of humor. There were always little practical jokes going on between our departments.”

Joanne Harder, a clerk in the Registrar’s Office, remembered, “If she had a point to make, she made it. At the same time, she was very supportive. When our department moved, we couldn’t have done it without her.”

Outside of work, Cindy’s special interests included her cats, country line dancing, gardening, and her beach house in Maine. She embraced life and, even after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002, she continued to work and enjoy her hobbies. In the midst of her painful battle, Cindy always made others feel good by making them laugh or relating a story about her cats or the beach.

By creating this scholarship in Cindy’s memory, her family and friends have established a lasting tribute to her life and memory.