The Francis J. Mullin Memorial Scholarship
Criteria: (One Award equal to full in-state tuition). The Francis J. Mullin Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to a full-time undergraduate student majoring in Business Administration who has shown a strong interest in Accounting. Applicants should have completed a minimum of twelve (12) credits in Business Administration at Worcester State University and have a minimum 3.0 G.P.A. Applicants must submit a short essay describing what work experiences they have had and what activities they have participated in at the university and in the community that may be indicative of their leadership potential. As Mr. Mullin was a man of many talents who has a great respect for education and was admired by those who had the privilege of knowing him as a role model for his family and for his co-workers, your essay might be a conversation you would have with Mr. Mullin, the gentleman.
Known affectionately as Uncle Frank to his nephew, noted alumnus, Robert “Bob” E. Mullin, class of 1953 and a 1956 master’s degree in Education graduate, Francis J. Mullin defined a true “self-made” man. Mr. Mullin came from a hard working family. After graduating from South High School in 1913, Mr. Mullin went to work in the industrial world of factory labor that was Worcester early in the twentieth century. However, he had higher aspirations and soon began taking college courses conducted by Northeastern University of Boston at a satellite campus in Worcester at the YMCA on Main Street! Over the years, Mr. Mullin earned two degrees in Accounting and in Civil Engineering and worked in several major local businesses. But, the major part of his career was spent at Brewer Company, a locally owned large pharmaceutical and chemical company where he spent thirty-five years. Mr. Mullin rose to manager of the wholesale chemical division that supplied New England’s countless textile and metal companies.
“Always a role model and inspiration for me,” shared Bob, “Uncle Frank’s warm and gracious hospitality allowed me to hold on to my family and geographical roots following the passing of my beloved parents, Eileen and William Mullin.” Bob, who has resided in New York City for more than fifty years, visited Uncle Frank at his home on June Street about once a month for a weekend and also for every major holiday for longer spans of time. In the summer, Bob moved to Worcester for nearly three months to spend quality time with his dear Uncle. Uncle Frank lived until just short of his 99th birthday, twenty-three years after the passing of Bob’s parents. “What a special gift he was to me and my two brothers, Bill and Walter, who also shared his good company and hospitality over the years.”
On the occasion of Robert E. Mullin’s 60th Anniversary of his graduation from Worcester State University, Bob has bequeathed yet another magnificent gift to Alma Mater, the endowment of the Francis J. Mullin Memorial Scholarship, as his way to honor Uncle Frank’s memory and life. Bob is one of Worcester State’s most generous benefactors, having endowed a scholarship in memory of his parents, The Eileen and William Mullin Memorial Scholarship, created a substantial Charitable Gift Annuity, established the Dr. Robert E. Mullin Scholarship, and ardently supported the Dr. Elizabeth V. Foster Endowed Scholarship, the Earl B. Shaw Geography Award, and the Mary Cosgrove Dolphin Art Award. The Francis J. Mullin Memorial Scholarship was formally announced at Bob’s 60th Reunion class dinner on Saturday evening, June 1, 2013.