The Rita E. Cawley '39 Memorial Scholarship

(Two $2,500.00 Awards) The Rita E. Cawley ’39 Memorial Scholarship is awarded to students at the undergraduate level who are enrolled full-time and in good academic standing in the Elementary Education program, has a minimum GPA of 3.0, has successfully completed at least 45 credits, shows evidence of financial need, and demonstrates a commitment to the field of education through employment or volunteerism opportunities.

Rita Cawley, a graduate of WSU Class of 1939, was a supporter and proponent of elementary education throughout her life. She imparted this belief as a foundation for future success and readiness, both as a mother of four children and a retired elementary schoolteacher for the city of Worcester. In memory of her dedication and commitment to education and the positive influence she had on her own four children and seven grandchildren, along with having educated hundreds of younger children in Worcester during her career, her son David (WSU Class of 1974) and wife Chris, have funded a scholarship in memoriam to Rita. The scholarship is made available to an elementary education major whose dedication and commitment to teaching younger children exemplifies what Rita believed in.