The phrase “student success” is uttered so often in higher education circles that it can seem nothing more than a buzzword. Yet it is the very essence of what we aim to accomplish at Worcester State — enabling every student to proceed from first-year to the commencement stage.

Exactly how we do that has varied over time, as students’ needs and best practices both have changed. Some programs are tried and true, however. Our Alternatives for Individual Development program, out of the Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA), is a summer bridge program for determined first-generation and low-income students, or those from underrepresented backgrounds. “I didn’t know what to expect, but those six weeks changed my life,” Urban Studies major Eva Diaz said recently, adding it provided her with a sense of purpose and encouragement. She is on track to graduate in 2027.

The OMA is also overseeing the re-establishment of another historically successful program known as TRIO. With a $1.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education, the TRIO initiative will support academic success for low-income and first-generation students and those with disabilities. First-Year Seminar (FYS) is another way we build student resilience. Today, more faculty are teaching FYS courses, and an FYS Peer Mentor program has been re-activated. Through the program, peer mentor Abigail Vincent notes she’s able to “model what resilience looks like — showing up, staying focused, and learning to bounce back together. It’s about building trust and helping them believe they belong here.”

Such programs complement services offered through the Counseling Center and offices of Retention, Student Success, Student Accessibility, Inclusive Excellence and Belonging, and Student Involvement and Leadership Development (OSILD). These offices have also evolved to meet shifting needs. One example: the OSILD has overhauled the first-year orientation program, extending it beyond Opening Day and well into the academic year, with deeper connections to faculty and FYS.

Our goal in all of this is to provide the most comprehensive and personalized services possible, reducing the barriers that negatively impact student achievement. The results have been significant: In recent years, the percentage of students who continue their education from term to term has climbed to roughly 87%. This is quite an achievement. 

Yet coordinating these services for each student would result in additional gains. To do this, we’ve already lined up resources from the state and elsewhere, and we look forward to attracting additional support for these efforts from our donor community. 

“Student success” is no buzzword at Worcester State. Since we launched “Succeed in Four” about 15 years ago, it’s something we’ve pursued diligently, across divisions and departments, a common goal that unites us.

Sincerely,
Barry M. Maloney
President

The post Letter from the President appeared first on Worcester State Magazine.

By Dave Eisenberg

Worcester State kicked off Homecoming Weekend 2025 in October 2025 by conferring the Distinguished Alumni Awards upon five truly exceptional individuals. The awardees included: an educator who empowers students to think beyond the classroom; a prominent business owner opening doors for women in a male-dominated field; the president and CEO of a leading human services nonprofit that serves individuals and families with complex needs; a former faculty member who helped make Worcester State what it is today; and a decorated U.S. Marine officer credited with helping hundreds flee Taliban rule.

Presented biennially, these awards represent the highest non-degree recognition the university bestows on alumni. Selected after a competitive nomination and review process by the Alumni Association’s Advisory Board and university representatives, winners are chosen for excellence in community service, education, professional accomplishment, and service to the university. While the awardees are diverse in their background, passions, and professional pursuits, they do share at least one thing in common: an unwavering commitment to making their communities, and the world, a better place.

Charran Fisher ’02 | Building a better world—literally

Charran Fisher ’02 founded Fisher Contracting Corporation in 1998. Since, the firm has become a major player in the Massachusetts business community, noted for its involvement in the construction of Polar Park, home of the Worcester Red Sox, and Encore, a popular hotel and casino outside Boston.

At the same time, Fisher has leveraged her entrepreneurial success to become a community leader. As a woman and minority in a male-dominated field, she has opened doors for others who are underrepresented in construction, and inspired them to pursue careers in the field. She also sits on the boards of several local and state chambers of commerce, subcontractor associations, economic councils, and boys and girls clubs, advancing the interests of communities across the Commonwealth.

Accepting the award for Outstanding Volunteer Service to the Community, Fisher noted that she learned the principles at the heart of her work while a student at Worcester State. “The values I learned here—service, compassion, and a commitment to community—have stayed with me and guided everything I’ve done,” she said. “It has shaped how I show up in the world, how I lead, and how I give back.”

Ken Bates ’87 | Leading with a helping hand

Ken Bates ’87 has dedicated his career to supporting individuals and families with complex challenges and needs. 

As president & CEO of Open Sky Community Services, he leads one of the largest human services nonprofits in Central Massachusetts. Under his leadership, Open Sky has grown to employ 1,300 people, who serve constituents across the region with critical services in mental health, developmental and intellectual disabilities, brain injury, substance use, housing and other areas of need. In 2025, Open Sky was named a Top Place to Work by The Boston Globe. 

Accepting the award for Outstanding Professional Achievement, Bates said majoring in urban studies at Worcester State gave him, “the foundation to lead with purpose.” “Through teaching, coaching, and internships at local organizations, I was able to build relationships and gain hands-on experience that still informs my work today. The campus may look different now, but the core values of service, inclusion, and community-building remain as strong as ever.”

Craig Dottin ’94 | Empowering students to think beyond the curriculum

As an educator, Craig Dottin ’94, M.Ed. ’02, M.Ed. ’14 works to ensure every student succeeds, both in and out of the classroom. 

In his current role with Worcester Public Schools, he’s responsible for identifying internship opportunities for all students. Previously, as principal of Vernon Hill Elementary School, he implemented a financial literacy program, giving young learners early exposure to money management and career planning. In 2023, his advocacy for young women’s education and access to resources earned him the Smart Advocate Award from Girls Inc. of Worcester.

Dottin’s passion for education is deeply personal. While accepting the award for Outstanding Achievement in Education, he said Worcester State’s Office of Multicultural Affairs provided him with the support he needed to thrive, adding it gave him, “the kind of guidance every student deserves, especially those from marginalized communities.” He continued: “By building programs that provide mentorship and a strong sense of community, we ensure every student can succeed and know they are never alone.”

Paul Davis ’57 | Innovating right here on campus

Paul Davis ’57, M.Ed. ’59, Ed.D. earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Worcester State thanks to the GI Bill, which provided education for veterans. Ever since, he’s been a pillar of the university community, as both a faculty member and generous supporter.

Known for his innovative contributions to the university’s educational programs, Davis played a pivotal role in the development of the university’s audio-visual and media departments. Under his leadership, they evolved into the Communications Department, which continues to thrive today. Later, with his wife of more than 50 years, he established the Paul ’57, ’59 and Barbara ’71, ’73 Davis Scholarship, awarded annually to a full-time undergraduate student residing in Worcester County. He retired as professor emeritus in 1992.

“I am so proud to have been a part of the history of Worcester State, and feel that my efforts helped build the institution to what it is today,” he said, accepting the award for Outstanding Service to Alma Mater. “I loved teaching, and I’ve loved interacting and relating with the students and faculty here.”

Omer Rafiq ’14 | Building a life of service

Omer Rafiq ’14 is a decorated marine officer and the director of an AI startup focused on national security. For this work, Worcester State recognized him with the Outstanding Young Alumnus Award. Read his full story here.

The post Celebrating the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award Winners appeared first on Worcester State Magazine.

Rebecca Mullen ’13, is commissioner of the NCAA’s Atlantic East Conference, responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations and taking its intercollegiate athletic programming to new heights. We caught up with Mullen to learn more about the role, and how her time as a Worcester State field hockey and lacrosse player informs her work.

Tell us about your professional journey.

My career in athletics started with the Great Northeast Athletic Conference, where I was assistant to the commissioner, a position funded by an NCAA grant. From there, I went on to work as the first full time assistant commissioner at the New England Collegiate Conference. My next stop, I was a swim coach and aquatics coordinator at Stevens Institute of Technology. I ultimately ended up with the AEC, as assistant commissioner and now commissioner.

What does the job entail?

Every day is different. I manage all aspects of conference operations, but all of the focus is to ensure a great student-athlete experience. For example, we launched women’s flag football as a varsity sport for the first time last year. To promote that, we held a media day at the Philadelphia Eagles’ Lincoln Financial Stadium.

What do you see as the future of women’s flag football?

Elevating it to a varsity sport was a response to the game’s growth at the high school level. We want to give students who love the game in high school the opportunity to play in college. No one knows what the future holds, but as it will be featured in the 2028 Olympics, we see potential for growth.

How did your education prepare you for your current work?

I was a criminal justice and urban studies major. This helped to transition to handling NCAA compliance. I was also a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. That experience was hugely valuable. I’ve definitely drawn on that when thinking about what’s most important to student-athletes.

Does your experience as a former lacrosse and field hockey player help?

College athletics is a huge part of my life, personally and professionally. I understand how much athletes juggle, between practice, travel and keeping up with classes. Having that understanding is huge. It helps me understand feedback I receive from athletes, coaches and administrators. I loved my time as a studentathlete. Ensuring others have a positive experience is really important to me.

The post 5 Questions for Rebecca Mullen ’13 appeared first on Worcester State Magazine.

By Emily Boutilier

As a teacher, principal, professor, and dean, Elaine Tateronis ’63, M.Ed. ’74 devoted her career to serving her students, the local community, the field of education, and her alma mater. Tateronis—founding dean of Worcester State’s School of Education, Health, and Natural Sciences—passed away April 11, 2025. She was 84.

“She had an impact not just on Worcester State’s School of Education, but on the entire field of education,” said President Barry Maloney at a September celebration of Tateronis’ life.

Tateronis served in the Worcester Public Schools as a teacher and reading specialist and as an Auburn Public Schools teacher, reading consultant, and principal. She joined Worcester State as an assistant professor of education and became coordinator of the Graduate School’s reading, master’s, and elementary education programs and the school administration/leadership program. She also established the university’s annual Author Institute.

Tateronis chaired the Education Department for eight years before becoming dean of education, then the founding dean of the School of Education, Health, and Natural Sciences.

“She will always be present, in our work, in our stories, and in the culture she helped create here. She made this place, and each of us, more than we ever would have been without her,” said Professor of Education Carol Donnelly at the September event, which drew faculty, staff, alumni, family and friends.

Upon retiring as dean in 2012, Tateronis established, with members of her department, the Elaine G. Tateronis Scholarship, given to undergraduates studying elementary education at Worcester State. She soon added a second scholarship, for graduate students in education.

“Her influence will continue to shape Worcester State, the field of education, and the many lives she touched,” said Vice President for University Advancement Thomas McNamara ’94 at the celebration of life.

An active alumna, Tateronis served as director of the Alumni Association’s Advisory Board, on the School of Education’s advisory council, on reunion planning committees and on the Scholarship Tea Committee. Elsewhere, she served on the board of the Massachusetts Association of Colleges for Teacher Education and the governing board of the Central Mass. Readiness Center.

Born in Worcester, Tateronis earned her bachelor’s in education and returned for a master’s in reading and language arts. She received an Ed.D. in curriculum, administration, and leadership from Boston College and participated in Harvard University’s Principals’ Program. As principal, she led Mary D. Stone School in Auburn to become an Inclusion School and added its preschool program. As a professor, she presented at U.S and international education conferences and wrote numerous articles on education leadership and literacy.

In recognition of her service to the university, she was named the inaugural recipient of the
Extraordinary Dedication Award. She was also the first recipient of the Massachusetts Reading Association’s Celebrate Literacy Award.

Tateronis is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Shari-Ann and Kevin Goudreau; a son and daughter-in-law, Craig and Kathryn Tateronis; five grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, cousins, other extended family; and many friends.

The post University Remembers Elaine Tateronis appeared first on Worcester State Magazine.

By Emily Gold Boutilier

During the final days of the U.S. military presence in Afghanistan, Omer Rafiq ’14 was on the ground in Kabul, evacuating hundreds whose lives were in peril under Taliban rule.

He and his team are credited with directly rescuing 675 people.

Two years later, as civil war erupted in Sudan, Rafiq arrived in the country on an allied nation frigate and became one of two U.S. Department of Defense officials on the ground for the military-assisted departure of Americans and allied nationals.

These two moments capture the essence of Rafiq’s career in public service, which has brought him to more than two dozen countries in military and civilian roles. These roles include serving as senior advisor in the Office of the Secretary of Defense; as director of strategy and plans for U.S. Central Command at the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; as a legislative fellow in the U.S. Senate; as an infantry officer in the U.S. Marine Corps; and more.

His path begins with his immigrant story. Born and raised in Saudi Arabia to parents of South Asian and Middle Eastern descent, Rafiq was a young teenager when his family won the U.S. green card lottery. They moved to the Worcester area, where Rafiq’s oldest brother was already working in tech. “You go where you have roots—we had one root,” Rafiq said.

Those early years in Massachusetts were challenging. As a high school senior, Rafiq was arrested for attempted shoplifting. It was a turning point. “I wasn’t a citizen yet; I still had only a green card,” he said. “That arrest forced me to reflect deeply on responsibility and belonging—and ways in which I could prove my worth to America.”

He decided to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves. “Initially it was a very transactional decision,” made to help his citizenship application. “Little did I know that I was going to get hooked on what the Marine Corps had to offer.”

He was a reservist when he started at Worcester State, taking evening classes and working during the day to help his family pay the bills. He majored in criminal justice, drawn to the interdisciplinary curriculum and the department’s focus on ethical decision making. He especially appreciated how Professor of Criminal Justice Stephen Morreale—who became a mentor—led class discussions on values-driven leadership.

Rafiq went on to serve as an active duty Marine infantry officer, a role that took him across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and East Africa. He worked in areas ranging from crisis response to counterterrorism. Once, at sea, he also taught political science and foreign policy to service members.

“I told them that your relationship with your country should be like your relationship with your spouse,” he said. “There’s going to be friction, there’s going to be misunderstandings, but you don’t get to walk away the moment you have a disagreement. The framers of the Constitution did not want us to be a perfect union. They wanted us to be a more perfect union.”

During the Afghanistan withdrawal in August 2021, Rafiq served as Aide de Camp to the Commanding General of Joint Task Force–Crisis Response. When the mission shifted into emergency evacuation, he was reassigned as special evacuations coordinator. It was a defining moment: applying the values-driven approach he’d learned at Worcester State to life-and-death decisions about who could be rescued in a collapsing evacuation zone.

The Sudan deployment was his last. After that, Rafiq went on to Harvard’s Kennedy School, where he co-taught a class on leadership in crisis with former Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick. He has also served at the State Department and the Department of Defense, and as a legislative fellow to U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, a New York Democrat.

“By all accounts, I am not somebody who should have gone to an Ivy League school, who should have been a presidential appointee, who should have done all these things in uniform,” Rafiq said. “But I think very early on I envisioned myself doing those things—not to receive praise but because I thought they were the right thing to do, that they were in compliance with my vision of bolstering democratic institutions.”

He stepped away from government service after the 2024 election. Now a senior director at C3 AI, he works with U.S. and allied government leaders to apply artificial intelligence to national security missions. He’s also a major in the Reserves, a nonresident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council think tank, and a Next Gen National Security Fellow at the Center for New American Security.

Based in the Washington, D.C., area, he’s contemplating his next chapter, which may include a move back to Massachusetts, where he could pursue his interests in local politics or nonprofit community leadership.

“One thing that I’ve enjoyed the most,” he said, “both in the military and as a political appointee, is being an extension of other people’s voices and needs.”

The post Building a life of service appeared first on Worcester State Magazine.

By Krystyanna Ramsdell

In August 2025, Evan Armit, a beloved member of the men’s ice hockey team, passed away following a lengthy battle with metastatic melanoma. Ever since, nearly every team in the Worcester State Athletics Department has been honoring his memory in its own special way. These acts of remembrance include hanging his jersey at games, collecting donations for his family, and donning uniform patches emblazoned with his jersey number.

His passing has also brought students, coaches, and friends together, not just in mourning, but in reflection. In remembering Armit’s kindness and infectious smile, athletes across campus have said they’ve begun thinking more about what really matters in life. As Kate Stedronsky ’26, senior captain of the women’s volleyball team, put it: “Losing someone in our community has allowed us to take a step back and look at the bigger picture.”

“As an athlete, you have to think about the person standing next to you,” she said. “We have been reminded, though, that sports aren’t just about wins and losses. They’re about the relationships we build, and the impact we have on one another.”

As for Armit, the impact he had in his short time at Worcester State was huge. Junior Jessica Forbes ’27, a member of the women’s soccer team, was a classmate of Armit’s. She said she was lucky for having had the chance to sit next to him in their financial accounting class. “I instantly sensed he was a great person with an amazing outlook on life,” she said. “Seeing him around, he always had a smile on his face and never failed to say hello.”

Jude Hadi ’27, a men’s hockey player, teammate, and friend, recalled that Armit showed him “what it meant to say yes to life.” “Evan was all in, always, for a new adventure,” he said. “What made him truly irreplaceable, though, was the fact that he was a friend to everybody. No matter where we were, he would make friends with complete strangers.”

Armit’s impact was not just felt in the Athletics Department, but across campus. As a sophomore, he was selected to serve the campus community as a residential advisor, in part for his “ability to connect with others and make every person feel valued,” said Director of Residence Life Kristen Nelson. “Evan was more than just a first- year RA, dedicated athlete, and outstanding student,” she said. “He brought a contagious energy to our community, one grounded in kindness, inclusivity, and a genuine passion for helping others.”

Given Armit’s impact on campus, teams across the university rallied throughout the fall semester to honor his legacy. The women’s soccer team dedicated a “Black Out” game in his honor. During the game, players wore yellow ribbons marked with Armit’s jersey number 11 in black, the symbolic color for melanoma awareness. His jersey also was hung along the sidelines during the match, surrounded by donations collected for his family. The women’s volleyball team, meanwhile, hung his jersey on their sidelines during matches, while players wore black ribbons on their shoes. Even before his passing, the community was rallying around Armit. The Rosen Cancer Awareness Fund, for example, partnered with the university’s hockey teams to auction jerseys and made a donation to the hospital where Armit was treated.

“Evan was one of those rare people whose presence impacted everyone around him. He embraced the values we preach as a student-athlete community,” continued Stedronsky, who, in addition to captaining the women’s volleyball team, is a NCAA Student-Athlete Advisory Committee president. “Honoring Evan’s legacy is extremely important to us, as it serves as a constant reminder that we are lucky to be a part of something greater than ourselves.”

Armit grew up in Dryden, Ontario, where he played junior league hockey for the Winnipeg Freeze and Islander Hockey Club, before enrolling at Worcester State and becoming a member of the men’s ice hockey team. While a student, he studied business. After his initial cancer diagnosis, he underwent surgery to remove a lesion on his heel, which left him determined to come back stronger than ever. Unfortunately, in October of 2024, his cancer returned, which he fought valiantly for nearly a year before passing.

Today, his legacy of kindness is still felt around campus, while across the Athletics Department, the number 11 now serves as a shining symbol of the selflessness, empathy, courage, compassion, determination, and perseverance his loved ones say he so embodied.

“We will never forget the remarkable person Evan was,” added Forbes, of the women’s soccer team. “And we will continue to honor him, knowing he is watching over all of us.”

The post Athletics Community Honors Beloved Student-Athlete appeared first on Worcester State Magazine.

By Natalie Boutiette

Worcester State student Lilian Sydow ’28, who studies psychology, Spanish and pre-law, and serves as president of the university’s Student Government Ambassadors, was looking for career advice. Given her wide array of interests, she wanted to know: “How do I avoid being pigeon-holed early in my career?” Taneisha Mings ’13, M.Ed., who received her bachelor’s degree in communications, was ready with an answer. 

“Give yourself grace,” she said. “You’re doing this for the first time and there is no road map. You can envision a lot of things, but take it day by day. If it doesn’t work out, get up tomorrow and try again.” 

More than a simple interaction, the exchange was emblematic of countless conversations fellow alumnae and current female students had with one another that night. In fact, they were among 30 highly-accomplished alumnae and 10 promising student leaders gathered in the storied Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the inaugural assembly of the Jennie Cora Clough Women’s Leadership Society. 

The group is all about bringing accomplished alumnae and ambitious students together to network and forge lasting bonds rooted in mentorship. Relationships built through the society are intended to benefit students year-round and last a lifetime, while semi-annual gatherings will facilitate networking and community. Named for the university’s first Black student – a trailblazer who graduated in 1878 and went on to become the first Black teacher in Worcester’s public schools – its ultimate aim is to help create the next generation of female leaders. 

“Our goal is to put women who are student leaders and accomplished alumnae in the same room,” said Felicia Riffelmacher, executive director of Development and Alumni Relations. “It’s important that students learn from those who have gone on to do amazing things.”

Indeed, Mings, who answered Sydow’s question, now works for MassAbility, a state organization that helps people with disabilities lead independent lives. There, she’s a project manager on one of the organization’s burgeoning AI initiatives. In 2023, she served as the Alumni Convocation speaker and shared this insight about her journey: “During my collegiate career, I learned that I am driven by my desire to support and be supported. We can be our best when our attributes are respected and nurtured, ultimately shaping our identities and leading us to discover our place in the world.” 

Other alumnae in the group include business executives and nonprofit leaders. For their part, students say the opportunity to learn from alumnae of such caliber is hugely valuable.

“Groups like these allow us to really see that the Worcester State community is full of people that are available and eager to help us succeed,” said Safa Khan ’27, who studies business administration and economics, and serves as a presidential student ambassador. “As students, immersing ourselves in these spaces is one of the best ways to learn, connect and continue developing, personally and professionally.”

Participating alumnae benefit too, as they see the group as an opportunity to pay their success forward. 

“The core purpose of Worcester State is simple: to be the launchpad for the next generation of regional and global leaders,” said Dr. Lisa Colombo ’87, the executive vice chancellor of UMass Chan Medical School’s healthcare consulting division and chair of Worcester State’s Board of Trustees. “This new program is vital because we see our student leaders as the future of our region. It’s important that they see how their Worcester State education can propel them to a career steeped in leadership.”

Deborah Hall ’17, CEO of YWCA Central Massachusetts, likewise extolled the value of mentorship as a core value of the group, adding it looks different for everyone. “One of the things I tell young women is, ‘You need to figure out what mentorship looks like for you. Come to me with the specifics, and don’t be afraid to ask questions,’” she said.

Of course, the group isn’t all about business. Attendees of its first meeting also enjoyed a performance of “SIX.” Fittingly, the musical-comedy functions as a modernly feminist re-telling of the lives of the six wives of England’s King Henry VIII. Riffelmacher noted future group programming will continue to mix networking and fun. In the end, however, the group is about fostering connections, building community, and preparing the next generation of women to lead. 

“Women have shown time and time again that when they bring their full selves, their intelligence and their integrity to leadership, they not only achieve success, but also open doors for others to do the same,” said Dr. Colombo, in keynote remarks delivered during the inaugural event. “And mentors are vital to helping you translate your academic success into professional impact.”

The post From the Classroom to the Board Room, Worcester State Women Take the Lead appeared first on Worcester State Magazine.

By Natalie Boutiette | Photos by Nancy Sheehan

On a cold day ahead of a snowstorm this winter, a group of Worcester State students were huddled together inside, each crafting their own textile blocks to later be sewn together to create one large quilt. 

Given the weather outside, the vibes were cozy, yet keeping warm wasn’t quite the group’s goal. As members of the Fiber Arts Circle, a campus club launched in 2023 that gets together for knitting, crochet, needle-felting, cross-stitching and other art projects, the students were hard at work putting together a “unity quilt.” 

Made in collaboration with members of different culture and identity groups across campus—including the Intercultural Student Alliance, the Black Student Union and the LGBTQ+ Alliance—the project was meant to give a creative platform to students to embrace and celebrate their diversity.

“As a club, we were wondering what kind of project we could take on that would say: ‘We are diverse and we value that,’” said Althea Bediako ’27, treasurer of the Fiber Arts Circle. 

The spirit of inclusion and creativity behind the unity quilt is fundamental to the Fiber Arts Circle. Its members meet every Monday, ready to engage in crochet, embroidery, sewing and similar activities, while at the same time building a welcoming, caring and constructive social community. The goal, members say, is to create a supportive space where individuals can express themselves artistically and, as importantly, make new friends, talk freely about college life, and unwind from the stress of their studies, jobs, and personal obligations.

“We discuss everything from selecting classes to working with professors, as well as the fiber arts,” added Bediako, who studies psychology and addiction counseling. “Having a craft in your hands while you meet new people makes the social aspect of college much easier. The club is warm and accepting, and that’s one of my favorite things about it.”

Those characteristics of the club are a draw for many members. 

Despite having little experience with the arts himself, Michael Juarez ’26, who studies business administration and Spanish, joined the club as a commuter student looking for connection on campus. He said he found the Fiber Arts Circle by way of a club fair in the spring of 2025, and felt the members he met there shared similar community-minded values. 

“I had never tried anything arts and crafts-related before,” he said. “On my first day, they taught me crochet, and I‘ve been coming ever since. The best part was finding a group with these shared interests. It’s very inclusive.”

In addition to projects like the unity quilt and weekly club meetings, the Fiber Arts Circle hosts a variety of events intended to knit the college community closer together. For students who can’t attend regular meetings, the club convenes once a semester for a late night knitting session. At other events, club leaders serve as art teachers of sorts, leading workshops in cross-stitching, canvas bag painting, and making friendship bracelets.

One of the club’s most popular events is its Valentine’s Day Fundraiser, where the group sells handmade crafts, like crochet flowers. “It’s always really fun to see the community get excited about our crafts, and it’s nice to know that our flowers are given as gifts to peoples’ loved ones,” said Bediako. 

Club president Alyson Archambault ’27 noted she has spent upwards of 20 hours making crafts as gifts for events like these. “The amount of time and effort it takes to learn a skill to create a gift says a lot,” she said. “The intention behind something handmade cannot be replicated.” 

Events like the fundraiser, in tandem with support from the school and other supply drives, enable the club to operate at no cost to students. 

The Fiber Arts Circle is one of more than 40 clubs and organizations at Worcester State that help students develop lifelong skills and friendships while providing social enrichment and intellectual stimulation. 

Other clubs include the Asian Boba Club, which is dedicated to breaking down barriers and celebrating Asian culture, traditions, cuisine and language; Active Minds, which works to increase students’ awareness of and provide resources relating to mental health issues; and Dance Company, which gives students of all skill levels the chance to learn and perform tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary and other kinds of dance. 

In addition to giving students opportunities for personal growth and connection outside the classroom, these clubs are important as research shows students who are actively involved in campus life are more likely to persist from term to term and ultimately complete their degrees. 

As for the state of the unity quilt, club members will continue assembling it this spring. The club plans to display the completed quilt at this fall’s Unity Day, a yearly campus-wide event promoting diversity and inclusion. There, it will serve as the most literal of testaments to a true tapestry community. As Bediako said: “The unity quilt allows us to come together, to create something, and to celebrate everyone.”

The post A Tapestry of Togetherness appeared first on Worcester State Magazine.

By Lexi Jones

For most students, college means juggling coursework with jobs, family obligations, and financial pressures. There are expectations to be self-directed and organized in new ways that they may not have learned in high school or at home. First-generation students may be alone as they navigate unfamiliar processes like academic deadlines, registration and financial aid. For some, any number of personal problems or health issues might be a hindrance to their academic success. These challenges are not new in the higher education landscape—every generation of college students shares these experiences in some way.

What is new are the ways that universities like Worcester State are approaching student success: A cultural shift is underway at the university, with outside-the-box thinking and plenty of data about why students may stumble in their educational journey and what the university can do to remove barriers and support them. The work is critically important to retention and enrollment, as students are increasingly asking about what universities can do to support them and ensure they are set up for success. 

Through the Early Support Program, Worcester State is now reimagining the ways it supports students, where and when they need it most. The program brings together faculty, staff, and student services to identify students who may be struggling—academically, personally, or financially—with the goal of connecting them to campus resources intended to help them overcome those challenges.

“Early Support allows us to meet students where they are,” said Dr. Thomas Kelley, director of Retention. “It’s about creating a safety net that catches students early, connects them to the right resources, and lets them know they’re not alone.”

How It Works

The idea behind Early Support is simple: when students show signs of struggle, the university steps in early, before small problems have the chance to snowball into full-blown crises.

For example, if a faculty member notices a student is failing to show up for class or turn in assignments, they then alert a cross-campus network of professionals from Academic Advising, the Academic Success Center, Counseling Services, Financial Aid, and other offices. Together, they coordinate outreach and guide each student to the most relevant resources.

“My team works with students all day long,” said Tammy Tebo, assistant dean of Academic Services. “Being able to see what’s going on in the classroom without requesting updates from the faculty member is really important. We’re able to reach out to the student, identify what the real issue is, come up with a plan, and execute it.”

While Early Support centers on the individual student, the program is also a cornerstone of Worcester State’s enrollment strategy, a recognition that student success and institutional success are inseparable.

“Retention isn’t just about keeping students enrolled; it’s about helping them thrive,” said Dr. Ryan Forsythe, vice president for Enrollment Management. “Every student who persists from one semester to the next until they graduate represents a success story for the student and for the institution. Programs like Early Support make those stories possible.”

Forsythe added that in the post-pandemic era, students are facing more mental health and financial challenges than ever. And they are actively seeking a college experience that takes a holistic approach to their education and well-being. “They’re asking, ‘Will this college support me academically, financially, mentally?’ That’s where Early Support gives students a real advantage.”

Building a Culture of Care

This commitment to proactive student outreach is the product of more than a decade of collaboration. The university launched its first “Early Alert” system in 2012. The referral tool allowed faculty to flag students in need of support. What began as a small pilot, however, has since evolved into a comprehensive, data-informed model that now serves hundreds of students each semester.

“Ten years ago, you would’ve found tutoring and accessibility services in different places,” said Forsythe. “Now those are part of an integrated system of support. Early Support connects all those pieces.”

As part of this work, the university has also established a Care Team, a collaborative group of personnel with expertise in academic affairs, enrollment management, and student affairs. This team works in tandem with Early Support to coordinate outreach for students who may be in distress.

“Maybe a student would benefit from counseling, or financial advice, or academic coaching,” Forsythe continued. “All of those services are connected in a way that ensures the holistic support that exists here is actually applied to students who need it.”

Kelley emphasized that Early Support’s success depends on campus-wide participation. “Faculty work most closely with students on a day-to-day basis,” he said. “They’re often the first to notice when something’s off.” Indeed, this shared responsibility is what makes the program sustainable. “It’s about building a culture where care isn’t just the job of Student Affairs or Advising – it’s everyone’s job.” 

The personal impact of this culture is clear to those who interact with students every day. “Students often say, ‘I didn’t think anyone noticed,’” said Tebo. “That one conversation can make them feel seen, and that’s when we start to see them re-engage.”

Faculty are buying in too. “It takes a village to help students succeed,” said Dr. Lisa Wark, a professor in the Business Administration and Economics Department. “No matter how many emails I send, it’s nice to have others help me. Early Support helps me do my job better.”

For some students, even a small acknowledgment makes a big difference. Through Early Support, professors can send students a “kudos” to let them know they’re doing a good job. One student told Professor Wark, “When you sent me a kudos, it was the first time anyone told me I was doing well.” As Wark put it, “It’s the grown-up version of getting a gold star.”

The Future of Student Success

As the program continues to evolve, the Early Support team is exploring new ways to expand its reach and measure long-term impact. Plans include closer collaboration with first-year experience programs, increased faculty training, and deeper integration with data dashboards that help identify at-risk students. 

Forsythe said the university also plans to build on the momentum generated by state investments, like the Massachusetts State University SUCCESS Fund, which has supported several student retention initiatives. “If we receive additional funding, we’ll expand case management and proactive advising,” he said. “One way we retain more students is by proactively investing in the services we provide.”

More than strategy, that investment represents a reflection of Worcester State’s values, according to Kelley. “Our students are incredibly resilient,” he said. “Many are balancing so much outside the classroom, and they still show up. Early Support is our way of showing up for them.”

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