Nearly 300 donors and students gathered on campus recently for the university’s Scholarship Brunch. Held annually, the event connects scholarship donors and recipients, giving them the chance to meet in person, often for the first time, and to build relationships with one another.
This year’s brunch was particularly special, as it coincided with record-breaking scholarship support. Donors gave a benchmark $1.8 million for scholarships and awards in fiscal year 2025. Consequently, the university awarded 397 scholarships and created 32 new funds. Speaking at the brunch, Thomas McNamara ’94, vice president of University Advancement, described this next-level generosity as “transformative” for students.
“Your support does more than ease financial burdens,” he said. “It opens doors, inspires confidence, and provides a hand up. And it tells our students that someone believes in them, that someone is cheering them on every step of the way. That message of belief can change the course of a life.”
Among this year’s attendees was Yadalisse Norford, recipient of the Sam Hughes Memorial Scholarship, which was created by the Hughes family following his passing. The scholarship is intended to support students pursuing careers in mental health fields. Norford, who studies psychology and hopes to work with children, said receiving this scholarship was “deeply meaningful” to her, as she knows Hughes struggled with mental health issues in his own life.
“Knowing the story behind the scholarship and the love that Sam’s family continues to share through his memory makes it even more special,” she said. “Their generosity has helped ease the financial challenges of college, and has reminded me of the lasting impact one life can have on others.”
John Buckley ’94, Sam’s stepfather, said he enjoyed meeting and talking with Norford at the brunch. He added that creating the scholarship was a way to honor his son and “carry forward” his legacy.
“I believe creating a scholarship in a loved one’s honor is one of the most meaningful ways to celebrate their life,” said Buckley. “We were able to turn our grief into a mission that hopefully will have a positive impact on others.”
Also in attendance was Andrew Lucier, one of ten recipients of the Gene & Julianne DeFeudis Endowed Scholarship, which supports students with financial need. Lucier said the award allows him to pursue his academic goals without “economic strain.”
“I can keep my focus on my studies and not worry about whether I’m able to pay for classes,” he said. He added that after graduation he hopes to either pursue an advanced degree in math or become a sports statistician or data scientist.
Gene Defeudis, who endowed Lucier’s scholarship, said he did so because he believes most people can achieve their dreams “with a little help.” He said he’s especially proud to support Worcester State because of the university’s value proposition in the broader landscape of higher education.
“My scholarship funding goes a long way, given the outstanding faculty and campus that has grown exponentially over the years,” he said.
At Worcester State, about half of all available scholarships are intended to support gifted students, regardless of major. The rest are earmarked for students pursuing specific degrees in education, nursing, STEM, and every discipline in between. Scholarship support has also exploded over the last three decades. For example, in 1994, there were only 15 scholarship offerings on campus, compared to nearly 400 today.