Worcester State University has entered a multi-year partnership with leading Massachusetts health benefits provider Wellpoint to support both academic excellence and physical wellbeing on campus.
By way of a transformative $150,000 gift, Wellpoint is supporting programs that benefit health and wellness initiatives at Worcester State, including but not limited to athletics.
“We are proud to call Wellpoint a partner, and we are deeply grateful for the company’s support and belief in our mission,” said Barry Maloney, university president. “This collaboration brings together two pillars of the Commonwealth—one dedicated to serving Massachusetts state employees with high quality health services, and the other to providing an accessible, affordable, and excellent education. Partnerships like these are crucial in enabling us to address the most pressing student needs, in and out of the classroom.”
In alignment with Wellpoint’s goal of fostering community and connection through good health, Worcester State will recognize the company’s generosity by adding its name to the surface of Brissette Court, which serves as the playing surface in the Gene J. and Julianne DeFeudis Wellness Center. In addition to hosting athletic events, the gym is routinely used for non-athletic events and gatherings on campus, including career fairs and convocation ceremonies.
“This partnership reflects our commitment to the health and well-being of the Worcester State University community,” said David Morales, general manager of Wellpoint. “It’s about investing in spaces that bring students, faculty, and staff together and enhance their whole health. By fostering environments that promote physical activity, connection, and wellness, we aim to support and advance healthier outcomes and better health.”
Worcester State Director of Athletics Michael Mudd added that it is increasingly important that colleges and universities provide students with high quality spaces conducive to health and wellness activities.
“Whether it’s the weight room, the track, or the gymnasium, these spaces are meant to serve every student on campus—athletes and non-athletes alike—as physical activity is vital for mental clarity and long-term wellness,” he said. “It’s amazing having a partner like Wellpoint that understands this.”
More than a single act of generosity, the new partnership follows years of collaboration between Worcester State and Wellpoint. In the past, the company has sponsored the Worcester State Foundation Golf Tournament, the Rosen Cancer Awareness Wellness Expo, Latino Education Institute initiatives, and more.
The company also directly serves Worcester State employees. Headquartered in Woburn, Mass., Wellpoint administers health benefits coverage for Massachusetts state employees, retirees, and municipal employees insured through the Group Insurance Commission.
