The SPORTS ALIVE Scholarship In Memory of E. Jay Tierney

Criteria: Applicants must be Massachusetts residents who demonstrate a successful high-school academic record and have accessed services from the Department of Children and Families or the Department of Mental Health. Preference shall be given to a student who has benefited from the Robert F. Kennedy Children’s Action Corps.

A well-known and well-loved personality on Worcester State University’s campus, E. Jay “Jay” Tierney, spent the greater part of two decades counseling prospective students in his role as director of admissions. Before joining Worcester State’s administration, Jay began his long career as an educator in the Leicester Public Schools. Following his years as a classroom teacher, Jay became a member of the admissions staff at Quinsigamond Community College prior to his arrival as the head of admissions at then, Worcester State College. Upon his formal retirement, Jay served as a consultant to the University until 2005.

In service to others, Jay was an active member of Christ the King Parish, the Knights of Columbus Alhambra Council, the Elks Lodge, and the Vernon Hill American Legion Post. So, too, did he serve on the Planting the Seed Foundation’s Board, and held a seat on the Worcester School Committee for ten years.

Jay was a steadfast champion of not only his students’ academic pursuits but of their extracurricular activities. An avid fan of athletics, Jay spent many hours cheering on the various Worcester State University Lancer sports teams and intramural athletes, as well as organized local youth programs. In the 1990’s Jay was a founding member of Sports Alive, a city-wide organization dedicated to providing children with opportunities to become better, stronger, and focused on their individual and collective talents. Sports Alive funded sports-related activities, academic programs, social development and life-learning activities. The fruits of Jay’s labor may be seen in the many intelligent and productive citizens of central Massachusetts who benefitted greatly from his advocacy.

In recognition and in memory of Jay’s commitment to educating and helping the youth in our society, Sports Alive has created this scholarship to ensure Jay’s legacy lives in perpetuity at Worcester State University. Their collective wish is to provide first-time Worcester State University students with a pathway to successfully navigate the rigors and challenges of today’s college curriculum. Through this scholarship, Jay’s kind and giving spirit and his guiding hand, will be felt throughout the recipients’ first year journey.