The Donald and Mary Moran Scholarship
Criteria: (Amount equal to one full annual in-state tuition award) The Donald and Mary Moran Scholarship will be awarded to a student who meets the following criteria: a full-time student majoring in Elementary Education preparing to commence his/her student teaching; has a minimum GPA of 3.0; demonstrates collegiality amongst his/her peers and administrators; and possesses a genuine love and enthusiasm for educating young people. Candidates are required to submit an essay expressing their reason/s for choosing to pursue a degree in Elementary Education.
A trumpet fanfare on Saturday evening, May 31, 2008, was the cue for Donald “Mickey” and Mary Moran’s children and their spouses to walk into the Blue Lounge of the Student Center. As the Moran family gathered on the dance floor, Mary rose from her seat and exclaimed, “Those are my children! What are they doing here?” The answer to Mary’s question was both heartwarming and inspirational.
Michael and Nancy Moran of Huntington, New York, the son and daughter-in-law of alumni Donald P. ’58 and Mary (Walsh) ’57 Moran of Worcester, made a surprise announcement at the 1958 reunion class dinner. As a way to honor their parents, Michael and Nancy established the Donald and Mary Moran Scholarship. Michael shared the reasons for their endowment. “On behalf of my brother and sisters, I want to say we have been truly blessed as children. We had parents who were both teachers. By establishing this scholarship, every year there will be students who come through Worcester State University who want to be teachers and they will thank the both of you.” As the reunion guests applauded this extraordinary announcement, President Ashley shared, “This is a remarkable act of kindness by wonderful and philanthropic people. We are truly blessed to have such special people in the Worcester State University family.”
With the creation and endowment of this scholarship, Michael and Nancy Moran join a premiere group of donors who have chosen to honor and pay tribute to beloved family members by ensuring their permanent legacies at Worcester State University. Through their selfless generosity, countless students shall benefit for years to come.