The Lois Cofsky Memorial Endowed Scholarship

This scholarship has been established in memory of Lois Ohman Cofsky ’93. Lois was a dedicated, lifelong learner who was committed to helping others. From a young age, she knew she wanted to become a nurse and was accepted at Memorial Hospital School of Nursing. For forty-three years, Lois was a registered nurse and supervisor at UMass Memorial Medical Center, Memorial Campus, Worcester.

Co-workers and friends regarded her as a consummate professional and mentor to countless young nurses. Former nurses hold enduring memories of the caring manner and high standards she maintained throughout her career. She only retired when she was stricken ill with ovarian cancer. She was an active member and former president of the Memorial Alumni Association and member of the Council on Aging. She also volunteered as a tutor at the elementary level in the Worcester Public Schools.

Lois was also committed to her loving family. Together with her husband, Ray, she raised two sons, Michael and David. She always made time to cheer on her sons during their sports activities, to assist her aging parents and family members with health problems, and to volunteer her time with many service organizations. Later in her life, Lois also cherished the special times she was able to spend with her granddaughters. Lois was able to balance her full-time, demanding career while taking college courses and being a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Health Studies from Worcester State University in 1993.

Lois embodied the spirit of a true nursing professional, providing nurturing care to her patients, and inspiring co-workers to a higher degree of commitment to nursing. She always will be remembered as a role model in the nursing profession. Her sister, Elizabeth Ohman Elsing-Bard ’58, has established this scholarship in her honor to assist dedicated nursing students in becoming the true professionals they strive to be.

(Amount Equal to One Full Annual In-State Tuition Award) The Lois Cofsky Memorial Endowed Scholarship will be awarded to an undergraduate student who is entering his or her junior or senior year of study within the Dr. Lillian R. Goodman Department of Nursing. Applicants must be attending Worcester State University full-time and be in good academic standing.