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Worcester State College Press
Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LOCAL LEGEND TO BE HONORED(Worcester, MA – April 11, 2003) Worcester State College will honor long-time educator and Worcester native, Dr. Helen Shaughnessy, at its Annual Scholarship Tea from 3-5 p.m. on April 13, 2003 in the Student Center Blue Lounge. Spanning a career in education of over half a century, Shaughnessy is credited for the training and education of hundreds of former and current outstanding teachers in the Greater Worcester area. She will be honored by city Mayor Timothy Murray with the Key to the City. Shaughnessy, formerly Helen Grogan, graduated from Worcester State College (known as Worcester State Teachers College) in 1943, the last all-girl class which came of age during World War II. Her career began as a third grade teacher in a three-room schoolhouse in Auburn, MA. When she married in 1948 she had to turn in her resignation as “female teachers couldn’t be married in those days,” she states. The superintendent asked her to finish out the year as a substitute at half pay. She said no. Going to the school committee, the superintendent received the votes to allow Shaughnessy to continue--becoming the first married female teacher in Auburn. She was later hired as a student teacher at Worcester State Teachers College. From there she advanced to the position of professor and then chair of the Education Department. Her influence and tutelage of hundreds of teachers who entered the teaching profession in Worcester Public Schools are immeasurable. During her 29 year career at WSC, she held the positions of Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, Director of Personnel and Labor Relations, and Acting Executive Vice President. For many years, she was the only female member of the College’s President’s Cabinet. She retired in 1986 and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Education and named Professor Emerita. She continues to be an active alumna in college affairs. This event, which serves to raise funds for student scholarships, is sponsored by the Scholarship Tea Committee. (cd) ###
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