Worcester, MA – The Colleges of Worcester Consortium, Inc. held “A Celebration of Higher Education in Central Massachusetts” on Thursday, March 29 at historic Mechanics Hall. The event featured the inaugural presentation of the George I. Alden Awards for education access and excellence in higher education.
The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. was presented with the community-based higher education access award which is designated for an individual or organization based in central Massachusetts that has championed access to higher education for nontraditional students and adults. The Worcester Community Project Center at WPI garnered the excellence in higher education award which recognizes a campus-based program that reflects the shared values, goals and visions of the Consortium and the Alden Trust, emphasizing creativity and promotion of educational excellence in higher education, collaboration, and the utilization of shared resources.
For more than 10 years, Hanover has maintained a very supportive relationship with the Worcester Public Schools and Junior Achievement. Working together to invest in the future of young people and ensuring that all children have the opportunity to achieve at high levels has been a hallmark of this collaboration. CEO Fred Eppinger accepted the award for Hanover.
Established in 2000, the Worcester Community Project Center at WPI has assisted Worcester organizations and City Hall in addressing and solving policy issues through student project activities. WPI students and faculty contribute their professional expertise and skills to a multitude of community organizations including municipal government, public schools, and other cultural and educational groups. WPI president and CEO Dennis D. Berkey accepted the award.
In addition to providing the agenda for higher education in the Commonwealth, Lieutenant Governor Timothy P. Murray announced that the Consortium has been awarded a $125,000 grant from the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism to promote educational tourism.
“Overall this event helped us raise additional funds to help support some of the great programs run by the Worcester Consortium,” said Consortium CEO Mark Bilotta. “It also provided a social setting for our members to interact with each other and the business community. At the same time, we were able to formally recognize some of the great work being done on our campuses and in the community to advance access to higher education.”
(Photos by Tammy Woodard Photography)
(Videography by Mike Savino Film/Video)