SCHOLARSHIP TEA TO HONOR LEONARD J. MORSE, M.D.

(Worcester, Mass.) - Worcester Commissioner of Public Health Leonard J. Morse, M.D., who has dedicated his life to improving the health of humankind, will be the guest of honor at Worcester State College’s 2008 Scholarship Tea on Sunday, May 4.

While many members of Morse’s generation are enjoying a leisurely retirement, Morse shows no sign of slowing down. He has served as Worcester’s commissioner of public health since 2002, a professor of clinical medicine at University of Massachusetts Medical School since 1995, an affiliate faculty member of the University of Massachusetts Graduate School of Nursing since 2006, a medical consultant for Unum Co. of Worcester since 1997, an honorary member of St. Vincent Hospital’s and UMass Memorial Hospital’s medical staffs since 1997, to name several current positions.

Morse continues to dedicate his time to many causes, including membership on the Massachusetts Medical Society’s History and Judicial Committee and the AIDS Project Worcester’s Board of Directors. He is also a charter member of the Worcester State Foundation. An infectious disease expert, Morse’s numerous accolades include two of the Massachusetts Medical Society’s most prestigious awards, the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Grant V. Rodkey Award.

He is a graduate of the University of Maryland School of Medicine, American International College, and Athol High School, and resides in Worcester with his wife, Maxine. The couple has four children.

“The College is delighted to honor Leonard Morse’s lifelong work to advance the understanding of infectious diseases,” said President Janelle C. Ashley.

 The Worcester State College Scholarship Tea, established in 1942, was revived in 1995 after many years of dormancy. Since its rebirth, the Scholarship Tea has recognized outstanding citizens whose work contributes to the vitality, health, and success of their communities while supporting student scholarships. Last year’s event raised more than $11,000 in scholarship aid.

 For more information on Worcester State College’s Scholarship Tea, please contact Worcester State College’s Office of Alumni Development at 508-929-8141 or alumni@worcester.edu.

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