The Shirley Albert Endowed Scholarships
Criteria: (10 Awards Equal to $1500.00) The Shirley Albert Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to one or more deserving incoming or current students who have been actively involved in music or drama programs in their pre-college or college years. Preference shall be given to incoming students. Worcester State University may award multiple scholarships each year, to the extent that eligible recipients can be identified, providing an amount equal to full in-state tuition. In certain situations, an amount greater than in-state tuition may be awarded to out-of-state students.
The late Shirley Albert graduated from Worcester State Teachers College in 1942. She acted in campus productions, performed in drama plays on radio (Worcester Station WORC) and appeared in summer stock.
In her college yearbook, she is described as “intense, dramatic, sophisticated, already a recognized composer and an actress of worth; a combination of many artistic talents.” She was a member of the Dramatic Club, the Glee Club, the Literary Club, and the annual play.
Shirley was born in Cambridge, Mass., and was raised in Worcester. She graduated from Worcester Classical High School and then continued her studies at Worcester State Teacher’s College.
Shortly after graduating in 1942, Shirley moved to New York City to pursue a musical and theatrical career. From 1944 to 1946, she did two wartime tours with the United Service Organization (USO) Camp Shows, entertaining U.S. Army troops in North Africa, Italy, France, and Germany. She also traveled extensively along the East Coast of the United States, the West Coast of Florida, California, and Nevada, where she performed her music in various settings.
“Lavender Coffin” and “Nancy’s Song” were two of her more popular compositions. She also wrote many tunes of political satire, which she performed while accompanying herself on the piano. Five well-known jazz bands, including Lionel Hampton, Tex Beneke and Tony Pasta, also recorded Lavender Coffin.
Throughout her career, Shirley was enthusiastic, energetic and optimistic. She had faith in whatever she was doing, says her brother Leon. She acted as a mentor to her cousin Stephen’s four children. Shirley never married, but when she died in April 2000, she left a legacy that will allow her memory to live on. She made a bequest to Worcester State University in the amount of $250,000, the largest alumna gift in its history.
As part of her bequest to Worcester State, Shirley also donated her entire collection of manuscripts and songs to the University’s archives. The Department of Visual & Performing Arts established the Albert Performance Series in November 2000. The annual series will perpetuate Shirley’s association with the arts.
Shirley’s love of the arts, zest for life and generosity are continued in this scholarship that bears her name.