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58 Worcester Business Journal • Giving Guide 2014 www.wbjournal.com Worcester State Foundation Inc. Future Goals The Worcester State Foundation provides the flexibility and nimbleness to advance WSU's mission and goals and to promote educational excellence, global awareness, scholarship and good citizenship, which are all core values of our institution. Utilizing the university's strategic, facility and campus master plans, the Worcester State Foundation supports the student experience by focusing on: Scholarship support: The Worcester State Foundation's scholarship program has grown dramatically since it was established in 1998 with just 15 scholarships. Now, with a powerful legacy of giving, the Foundation awards more than 250 scholarships and more than $250,000 every year. Yet the need continues to grow, and we receive far more requests for assistance than we are able to provide. International and national study away: To be success- ful — personally, intellectually, and professionally — stu- dents must become global citizens, skilled at interacting in and among multiple cultures and capable of analyzing issues on a global level. Study away allows students to experience a variety of subjects in more depth and from different cultural perspectives. Students who study away often develop career skills that make them especially mar- ketable, including: critical thinking and problem solving, self-confidence, teamwork, communication, leadership, flexibility and adaptability, creativity, and an expanded world view with a multicultural perspective. Student research and creative projects: WSU is a university where scholarly activity and innovation is encouraged. Student research invariably leads to a bet- ter understanding of and a deeper appreciation for the discipline under investigation. Students' career goals are usually clarified after they participate in research, while creative activities help students develop the skills neces- sary for future academic and career pursuits. Internship funds: Assisting students in achieving real-world experiences beyond the classroom is a high priority at WSU. Internships provide students with learning opportunities through a combination of direct hands-on experience and formal study, and are designed to comple- ment the traditional curriculum. WSU is striving to provide as many financially-supported opportunities as possible so our students do not need to choose between holding down a job and participating in an internship. Entrepreneurial funds: Entrepreneurial contests like WSU's Next Big Idea, which is aligned with a credit-earning class called "An Entrepreneur's Approach to Business Development," provides funding, mentorship, and practi- cal and scholarly guidance to teams of students in all disciplines interested in developing a new business idea and plan. This program gives student entrepreneurs the opportunity to develop their innovative ideas and launch viable businesses, poising them for success in the market- place and workforce. Unrestricted funds: The Worcester State Fund and its unrestricted support provides critical operating assistance that enables WSU to take advantage of new opportuni- ties, respond to challenges and invest strategically in the future. Through yearly gifts to the Worcester State Fund, WSU alumni, students and friends renew their ties to WSU, shape students' daily experiences and propel the Worces- ter State community to new heights. Fundraising Events/Opportunities Held each June, the Worcester State Foundation Golf Tournament offers a variety of sponsorship and player op- portunities and a silent auction. With more than 300 players on two courses, the tournament is the Foundation's single biggest annual fundraiser. A number of annual WSU alumni events provides many opportunities for alumni to support WSU, such as Reunion Weekend and the WSU Athletic Hall of Fame Ceremony. Along with national alumni chapter gatherings and activi- ties, alumni and friends have myriad opportunities to direct philanthropic support. The Scholarship Tea, which is held each spring on the WSU campus, honors a member of the Greater Worcester com- munity for their contributions in time, talent and treasure. The Scholarship Tea is a decades-old tradition of raising money for student scholarships, while recognizing the achievements and impact of members of the community. Launched in spring 2014, WSU's annual Day of Giving is a challenge to students, faculty, staff, alumni, friends and supporters to help raise awareness and pride through a one-day giving challenge. Giving Opportunities The Worcester State Foundation accepts gifts of cash, appreciated securities, gifts from donor-advised funds and family foundations, gifts of real estate or tangible property, matching gifts, and planned, deferred and combination gifts. The Worcester State Foundation's major annual appeals are in the fall and spring. Annual appeals also include a number of segmented approaches in support of scholarships, research, academic department and program initiatives and university priorities. More than 4,000 donors support WSU with more than $3.4 million annually. Online donations are generously accepted all year long at www.worcester.edu/WorcesterStateFund. Board of Directors MISSION STATEMENT Service area: The Commonwealth of Massa- chusetts, with extended student enrollment coming from through- out the Northeast and beyond. To increase awareness of the excellence of Worcester State University, to promote the importance and vitality of the university, and to raise private gifts in support of the university's mission. To engage alumni, friends, businesses and community partners in the philanthropic support of Worcester State University to enrich, maintain and expand programs needed to meet the University's mission of excellence in education. Alumni ......................... 57% Friends ......................... 36% Corporations and foundations ................... 7% Top funding sources: Mary C. Ritter—President Craig A. Bovaird—Vice President Jill C. Dagilis—Vice President Gregg H. Rosen—Immediate Past President Edward L. Sherr—Treasurer Robin J. Quill—Assistant Treasurer Thomas M. McNamara—Clerk George H. Albro Mary K. Alexander David E. Bedard Keith E. Blanchette Jean M. Borgatti Derek S. Brindisi John P. Brissette Joshua Champagne, Student Senate Chair, Ex. Officio Matthew Cote, Parent Representative Kim Cutler Julia Dvorko Mary Burke Fallon James D. Glickman Lillian R. Goodman Maryanne H. Hammond Kimberly M. Harmon Kristina M. Jackson Barry M. Maloney Dorothy J. Manning Daniel J. Mastrototaro Rosanne S. Matulaitus Janet Wilson Moore Suzanne Singh Nebelung Worcester State Foundation Inc. 486 Chandler St. Worcester, MA 01602 Phone: 508-929-8033 www.worcester.edu/Worcester- State-Foundation Full-time employees: 0 Annual revenues: $3.4 Million Year founded: 1994 Alan Osmolowski R. David Richer Robert J. Spain George W. Tetler, III Richard E. Thomas Ronald R. Valerio, Ex. Officio Steven J. Ward Randal D. Webber Thomas M. McNamara Vice President, WSU Division of University Advancement Clerk Mary C. Ritter Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Fallon Health, Board President