The Jose Bunuan Memorial Scholarship

Criteria: ($500 Award) The Jose Bunuan Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a junior enrolled in the Early Childhood Education program. The applicant must have a strong interest in educating children and must show evidence of financial need. Students applying for this scholarship should have a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.0. Candidates should provide a short essay attesting to the need for this scholarship and submit it with the scholarship application.

Jose V. Bunuan, father of Dr. Josefina S. Bunuan of the Education Department at Worcester State University, was a teacher and principal in one of the largest elementary schools in the Philippines. He graduated from the Philippine Normal School, which was established by the American government during the Spanish/American War. Currently, it has been named the Philippine Normal College, which graduates the finest teachers in the Philippines.

Jose Bunuan believed that education is the best legacy a parent can give to their children. He was chosen by the Normal School to go to the United States to pursue further study in education; however, he became ill and returned to the Philippines. He married and raised six children, all of who reside in the United States and are successful professionals.

Through her father’s dedication and commitment to education, Dr. Josefina Bunuan also entered the teaching profession and taught at Worcester State University for many years before her retirement in 1999.

In honor of her father and to encourage students to become tomorrow’s educators, Dr. Bunuan established this scholarship that bears his name.