Memorial Scholarships and Academic Awards

Thanks to the generosity of our donors,  MWCC celebrates students’ achievements each year at our Evening of Excellence Awards Ceremony.

Academic Awards

President’s Key – The President’s Key is traditionally awarded to the graduating student or students who have demonstrated exemplary academic performance in their programs of study and completed all of their degree requirements here at MWCC.

Dean’s Key – A Dean’s Key is awarded each year to the graduating students who, in the opinion of Academic Affairs and the Dean of Students, have made the most outstanding contribution to the life and spirit of the college through active participation in student activities and who have made significant contributions to the college community.

Commonwealth Honors Scholar – Given to students who have successfully completed all of the requirements of the Commonwealth Honors Program.

Excellence in Mathematics – The MWCC Mathematics Department recognizes excellence in the most challenging math courses offered at MWCC. The department has chosen a recipient that reflects the characteristics of superior mathematical thinking, academic excellence, service and perseverance in the subject of mathematics.

Curriculum Awards – These awards are given annually to the student, chosen by their professors, that has the highest GPA and shows academic excellence in their chosen field of study. There is typically one graduating student chosen from each major offered at MWCC.

Mount Observer Scholarship – This scholarship is presented to a student who has worked on the Mount Wachusett Community College student newspaper for at least one full year as a reporter, assistant editor, editor, advertising representative, or graphic arts designer. The student must be transferring to a four-year institution.

Memorial Scholarships

Aspasia Anastos Award – This award is presented in honor of Aspasia Anastos who was a distinguished faculty member. It is given in recognition of a student demonstrating excellence in the humanities.

Albert H & Reuben S. Stone Fund –  This scholarship is given to two deserving students who are residents of Gardner, have a GPA of 3.3 or higher and have financial need.

Arthur F. Haley Scholarship – Scholarship for students with financial need who have devoted themselves to some form of public service named for the first president of MWCC.

The Babineau-Johnson Nursing Scholarship Fund – The recipient must be a student entering or continuing in the Nursing program at MWCC. Funds can be used for tuition, fees, books or supplies.

The Babineau-Johnson Veteran’s Scholarship Fund – The Babineau-Johnson Scholarship for Veterans was established to honor members of the Babineau and Johnson families who served during World War II.  The award is given to a veteran attending or entering MWCC studying in a medical field.

Barbara Chaplin Memorial Scholarship – Scholarship for a non-traditional student majoring in English or Education who is transferring to a baccalaureate institution after graduating from MWCC.

Barnes and Noble Scholarship – For a continuing MWCC student

Carl Tammi Award  – This award is presented in honor of Carl Tammi who was a professor at Mount Wachusett Community College for many years. The recipient is chosen by CIS faculty members and awarded to an extraordinary CIS programming major.

Carrie Progen Memorial Scholarship – This scholarship was established in memory of Carrie Progen, a Mount Wachusett Community College alumna (class of 1995), who was tragically lost in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center in New York City. Carrie was an artist with a wide variety of interests and talents. The intent of this scholarship is to recognize a student with artistic talent who wishes to pursue a post-secondary education in the arts toward a career goal.

The Carlton E. Nichols Scholarship This scholarship is given to a deserving resident of Gardner with a GPA 3.3 or higher and financial need.

Craig Hamel Scholarship – Presented in memory of Craig Hamel who was a conscientious and committed Liberal Arts and Sciences student whose primary desire was to become a registered nurse with both Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees so that he could dedicate his professional life to the service of others. He persevered with his academic program despite catastrophic illness. This scholarship is to recognize a person who has completed all of the requirements for an Associate Degree in Nursing, has plans for continuing their nursing education, and best personifies the spirit of Craig’s life, his hopes, and his dreams.

The Dr. Daniel M. Asquino “Second Chance” Scholarship  This scholarship is for students that have come to MWCC for a “second chance” of attending college, and changing their lives through education.

The David G. Wyman, Jr. Scholarship Fund – Each spring the MWCC English Department Faculty will select two students ($500 each) that have made a significant contribution to either the study of or the composing of poetry.

The DCU Last Mile Scholarship Fund- Recipient must be on track academically to graduate at the end of the semester that will be subsidized and must be able to demonstrate financial need that will prevent them from completing their degree.(need includes non-academic hardships like rent, unexpected medical expenses or childcare costs, as well as tuition and fees).

David H. Butler Memorial Scholarship – A scholarship for a student that is continuing their education at MWCC and has demonstrated service to the community in which they live.

Edith V. Baldyga Scholarship – For students with financial need preparing for a career in elementary education and are continuing on to a baccalaureate institution after graduating from MWCC.

The Edward H. Stevens Scholarship – Scholarship is awarded to a continuing MWCC student that is preparing for a career in Engineering, Mathematics, Science, STEM, LAS or CIS. Must have completed at least one semester at MWCC.

Ellen E. Daly Dental Hygiene Scholarship – As an ardent supporter and advocate for the establishment of a Dental Hygiene Program for nearly two decades, it has been Ellen Daly’s inspiration that has kept the dream of a Dental Hygiene Program at MWCC alive. This scholarship is presented to a second-year MWCC dental hygiene student with a GPA of 3.5 or higher, clinical excellence, outstanding leadership, professionalism, willingness to assist other students with compassion and a commitment to the field of dental hygiene and patient care.

The Father Adamo Scholarship A scholarship for a student studying Roman Catholic Theology or counseling and is continuing their education at a baccalaureate institution after graduating from MWCC.

George D. Jones Sr. Scholarship Fund – This scholarship is given to a continuing MWCC student with financial need, academic performance is considered.

Green Society Scholarship – Given to students in the natural resources program, preference given to Green Society members. Academic standing is considered and the recipient must have at least 12 credits from MWCC and be a US Citizen or permanent resident.

Harold E. Drake, Jr. Veteran’s Scholarship FundThe Harold E. Drake Jr. Veteran’s Scholarship honors Mr. Drake a champion of MWCC and long-time Chair of the MWCC Board of Trustees. The award is given to a veteran that has made a significant contribution of time and effort to their community.

H. Marilyn Kiosses ScholarshipThis scholarship was established in memory of Marilyn Kiosses and is given in honor of the excellent nursing care she received during her illness. It is awarded to a nursing student demonstrating a commitment to patient care.

HOPE Education Fund – This fund was created to honor the founder of HOPE, Maxyne Schneider upon her retirement. The award is given to a non-traditional student who graduated from the HOPE For Women program and are currently enrolled at MWCC. Students that participated in the HOPE youth program may also apply.

James D. Murphy ScholarshipJames D. Murphy was an active community volunteer for more than six decades and was the first chair of MWCC’s Board of Trustees where he served from 1981 to 1992. He was granted Chairman Emeritus status in 1992. The “James D. Murphy Conference” room at the college was named in his honor. In 2010, he received a posthumous honorary doctorate from the college. In the hopes that his legacy of helping students would continue, his family established the scholarship in his name. Jim would have been deeply honored to know that the Trustee Scholarship was named after him at the college he served faithfully and loved. This scholarship is presented to the student who served as the student body representative on the MWCC Board of Trustees.

The James and Peggy Garrison Scholarship Fund Is awarded to a continuing MWCC student registered for a minimum of nine credit hours of work in the Early Childhood Program. Recipient is selected by the Early Childhood faculty as an “exceptional student”.

The Jane G. Doyle Scholarship Fund  Awarded annually to a deserving and motivated candidate who is enrolled in the Mount Wachusett Community College Nursing Program. The scholarship is based on financial need and not on academic performance and may be renewed as long as the student stays in good standing with the college. Scholarship amount varies.

Jean Tandy Award –Jean Tandy was the founder and the heart and soul of the art department for 40 years. She inspired many students. When she retired, she set up this award as a way to continue to support and encourage talented MWCC art students in their pursuit of art.

John Burton Award – This scholarship is presented to a student who is graduating and transferring to a baccalaureate institution to pursue a career in art.

Jonathan C. Craven Scholarship – A scholarship for students that demonstrate traits similar to Mr. Craven a passion to use your education to assist humanity. Financial need is considered.

Joseph S. Baldyga Veteran’s Fund – Presented to a Mount Wachusett Community College student who is a veteran of the armed forces graduating from the business program and transferring to a four-year school. This award is based on academic performance.

Joseph B. Ruth, Jr. and Mary I. Ruth Scholarship – The Joseph B. Ruth, Jr. and Mary I. Ruth Scholarship honors Professor Ruth a long-time professor in the business department at MWCC for his service to MWCC and his valued friendship to his colleagues and his wife Mary. The award is given to a veteran who is a graduating business major and has been accepted into a four-year college.

Judge M. Alan Moore Award: Academic ExcellenceThe Judge M. Moore Award was established in 1979 by Esther Moore in memory of her husband who practiced law for 35 years in Gardner. The award goes to a MWCC graduate who is honored for wide-ranging intellectual curiosity and outstanding academic record.

Judge M. Alan Moore Award: Excellence in WritingThe Judge M. Moore Award was established in 1979 by Esther Moore in memory of her husband who practiced law for 35 years in Gardner. This award is presented to a MWCC graduate who is honored for wide-ranging intellectual curiosity, outstanding academic record and for their excellence in writing.

Kathi J Pullen Scholarship – Female 30 years or older, balancing home, work, and education; GPA 3.3 or higher; earned 9 credits or more at MWCC

The Lois Kalber Somers Nursing Scholarship Endowment- Recipient must be a single custodial parent entering the final year in the MWCC Associates Degree Nursing Program. (Full Time) The award can be used for any purpose such as tuition, books, testing, living expenses, childcare, transportation or other expenses that enable the parent to complete their Registered Nurse (RN) degree. The recipient will be chosen by The MWCC Nursing Faculty.

Melissa Herr Marsh ScholarshipThis scholarship was established in memory of Melissa Herr Marsh by her family and is awarded to a second-year nursing student at MWCC. This award is presented in recognition of academic excellence as well as the ability to meet the daily challenges of being a daughter, sister, wife, mother, friend and student.

Michael Greenwood Business ScholarshipGraduating MWCC business student transferring to Fitchburg State University to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in business

Millie McGuire Foundation – Single parent balancing home, work, and education; service to community/church; financial need for enrolling; returning; or transfer

Mount Observer Scholarship – Presented to a student who has worked on the student newspaper, the Mount Observer, for at least one full year as an active staff member of the newspaper as either a reporter, assistant editor, editor, advertising representative, or graphic arts designer and is transferring to a four-year institution; financial aid is not absolute though may be considered; other extenuating circumstances will also be considered. Tuition, books, and fees at college of students’ choice

MWCC Veteran’s Memorial ScholarshipThis scholarship is presented to an enrolled full-time student who has served in the U.S. Armed Forces and has shown service to the college and community.

MWCC Alumni Association Continuing Student Scholarship – For an MWCC student who has completed at least one semester and is continuing their education at MWCC.

Nashoba Valley Healthcare Fund Open to full and part-time non-traditional students, second-career students, living or working in the Nashoba Region, open to rad tech; med tech; nursing; physical therapy; speech and occupational therapy; imaging tech and medical assistant

Peter J. Trainor Leadership Award – Presented annually to the student who exemplifies the traits that Peter Trainor demonstrated during his long career at the college.  His sense of humor, wisdom, thoughtfulness, dedication to family and friends and commitment to teamwork will forever remain in the hearts and minds of those who have had the honor of working with him.

Polish-American Veteran’s ScholarshipThe Polish-American Veteran’s Scholarship is given to a student who has made a significant contribution of time and effort to their community. First consideration is given to candidates with a demonstrable Polish heritage.

Presidential Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Scholarship

The Practical Nursing Program Scholarship Fund– awardee must be a Practical Nursing Major at MWCC who has successfully completed one semester of the program with a minimum GPA of 2.8. Funds may be used for tuition, fees or books.

Rebecca Ann Desjardins Memorial Scholarship – Resident of Westminster, Gardner or Ashburnham. Preference to a female with a GPA of 3.0 or higher with financial need. Must be a student that will be continuing their education at MWCC.

Robert H. Gilman Memorial Scholarship – Continuing or transferring MWCC student who demonstrated commitment to education, demonstrated volunteerism; financial need

Roberts ScholarThe Roberts Scholar is presented to a student who demonstrates strong academic performance and persistence and exhibits Christian fellowship through their collegiate, personal, or professional life. These attributes honor the same characteristics that Glenn Roberts embodied in his work and life. Glenn’s dedication to supporting students in their academic and career pursuits served as an anchor to many students who achieved success in spite of obstacles in their life. Glenn’s work served as an outward expression of his spiritual life and beliefs.

Robert Weibel Award – This award was established by the family of Mount Wachusett Community College art student Robert Weibel. The recipient is chosen by the art faculty and the award is presented to a graduating student demonstrating progress and commitment to art. The recipient must be transferring to a baccalaureate institution.

The Ron J. Daigle Nursing Scholarship Fund  Ron J. Daigle was a nursing student at MWCC who sadly passed away in 2015. This scholarship celebrates his life. There are two awards given annually, one $500 scholarship to a female nursing student and one $500 scholarship to a male nursing student.

Sandy Signor Award –The Sandy Signor Student Achievement Award is presented to a student who has persevered and achieved success in their college work. Sandy Signor served as College Nurse and College Counselor here at the college for over 20 years. Her work at the College touched the lives of many individuals and her assistance was invaluable in helping students achieve their goals.

Sharyn A. Rice Award – Presented in honor of MWCC Senior Vice President Sharyn Rice who retired in 2013 after 25 years of service to the college and the greater community. Given to a student of good character each year who demonstrates a clear commitment to supporting their community; must have GPA of 3.0 or higher; good academic standing

Sybil Goldberg Aruijo Scholarship – Second-year student pursuing an Associate Degree in Human Services. GPA of 3.0 or higher and commitment to the Human Services field

Stephanie Barry Memorial Leadership Award This award was established by the Student Government Association in memory of Stephanie Barry, a Mount Wachusett Community College alumna (class of 2022), who passed away unexpectedly while pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree at Worcester State University. Stephanie served as the SGA President, as well as an officer in many other student organizations. She had a positive impact on everyone she met, showing compassion and inclusivity to all. The intent of this award is to recognize a student who exhibits the same leadership qualities demonstrated by Stephanie.

Thomas and Alice Kymalainen Scholarship  Academic achievement-GPA 2.5 or higher; preference 30 earned credits at MWCC; transfer credits may be considered; financial need may be considered

Twyla J Haley Memorial Nursing Scholarship  Second year MWCC nursing student; GPA of 3.0 or higher; Other considerations: Community service, employment status, financial need; direct costs-tuition, fees, books