The Vincent R. DeBenedictis Memorial Scholarship

A gentleman, veteran, family man, scholar, devout Catholic, and exceptional educator, Vincent R. DeBenedictis shared his love of the romance languages and classical literature with Worcester State University students for more than 30 years.
Retiring in 1990 as chair of the Foreign Languages Department, Vincent began his tenure in 1957 with the likes of Vera Dowden Baldwin. A distinguished and exciting group of then-young faculty members, Vincent, Vera, Robert Hartwig, Margaret Kittredge, and Robert Todd shared lifelong friendships that began in the hallowed hallways and classrooms of then Worcester State Teachers College. This core group, according to Robert Todd, “imbued the college with new life.”
“Vincent served as chair for as long as he wished during the golden age of foreign languages,” opined Robert Hartwig. Dear friend and officemate of 30 years Margaret Kittredge added, “His was the only funeral at which I cried.”
Graduating from Boston College in 1942, Vincent was the recipient of an anonymous benefactors’ goodwill, receiving a $250 scholarship to pursue his undergraduate studies from a fellow parishioner. Shortly after graduating from B.C., Vincent was drafted into the Army where he served in radio intelligence for the 3257th Signal Service Company in the United States and in Europe. Upon returning from his tour of duty, Vincent earned his master’s degree from Boston University.
Once settled back in the United States, Vincent never forgot the kindness of the individual who provided him with the golden opportunity to attend college. Throughout his long, happy, and fulfilling life, Vincent shared the fruits of his labors with several institutions of higher learning, including Worcester State University. Not only did Vincent enrich the lives of thousands of students in the classroom but he also extended a helping hand to those who needed someone to believe in them.
“Everyone loved Vincent. He attended every event,” shared Bob Hartwig. “I would venture to say that two-thirds of Worcester County foreign language teachers reaped the benefits of Vincent’s tutelage. He was a great guy.”
To commemorate the fifth anniversary of Vincent’s passing and pay tribute to a remarkable gentleman’s legacy, alumni and family friends Gregg H. ’86 and Pamela (Swartz) Rosen ’87, along with Vincent’s son and family, Bob Hartwig, and Margaret Kittredge established the Vincent R. DeBenedictis Memorial Scholarship for students interested in foreign studies and/or studying abroad.

[One $1,000 award annually] Vincent R. DeBenedictis Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to a Worcester State student interested in foreign language study and/or studying abroad.