The Elizabeth W. Carver Memorial Scholarship

Criteria: (One $500 Award) The Elizabeth W. Carver Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to a full-time junior or senior who is enrolled at Worcester State University and majoring in Elementary Education and is a United States citizen. First preference will be given to students who graduated from Clinton High School. In the event that there are no qualified candidates who are graduates of Clinton High School, the award can be given to a student who graduated from another public high school in Central Massachusetts.

The late Elizabeth W. Carver graduated with a degree in education from Worcester Normal School in 1899. She enjoyed a successful career teaching in the Worcester Public Schools for more than 45 years.

During her career, Elizabeth taught at Dix Street School for seven years, the Gates Lane School for eight years, and Downing Street School until she retired in 1946.

Elizabeth was the daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Carroll) Carver. Her father owned a machine and tool business in Worcester and invented a clutch for machines, but never secured a patent for it.

A devoted family woman, Elizabeth helped put her two brothers, Thomas and William, through the College of the Holy Cross. She helped her niece Mary raise four children, Sarah LeFebvre ’64, M.Ed. ’69, Patrick Burke, M.Ed. ’64, Mary Burke Fallon, and Carroll Galvin. They affectionately called her Lee-Lee.

Elizabeth was well read, outgoing, outspoken, and very astute about manners and etiquette. She attended Immaculate Conception Church in Worcester and was active in its Women’s Guild. She was also a member of the Retired Teachers’ Association and a former member of the Levana Club.

It was through the late Walter Fallon, who was director of placement at Worcester State University from 1970 until his death in 1976, that Mary Burke Fallon made a strong connection to Worcester State. Her first gift to the Worcester State Foundation was in support of what is now called the Fallon Room in the Student Center, named in memory of her beloved husband. During the years he worked at WSU, Walter made an indelible impression on students and co-workers alike.

Mary now serves on the Foundation Board. Inspired by the way scholarships improve the academic experiences of WSU students, Mary decided to establish this scholarship. She also sees it as a fitting tribute to her dear grand-aunt and godmother.