Retired Lt. Col. James F. Sheehan '55

Alumnus' Stock Gift Supports WSC Students

Retired Lt. Col. James F. Sheehan '55 appreciates the life-altering role that education, circumstances, success and philanthropy can play in a person's life.

A scholarship funded through an honorarium left by Massachusetts writer Olive Higgins Prouty after a guest lecture at Worcester State Teachers College covered his tuition for his sophomore, junior and senior years. He ultimately earned a bachelor's degree in secondary education.

"I always enjoyed history," Jim says, "but after I took some tests, the Marine Corps decided I'd be of more use to them in computer science, financial analysis and operations research." He went on to graduate school at American University "on the Marine Corps' penny" and became a successful Marine, business owner and investor.

By the time Jim made a $500,000 gift of securities to the Worcester State Foundation in 2006, he and his late wife, Dorothy, had established 14 scholarships through a number of charitable organizations.

Jim was clearly looking toward the future when he made this gift. "One of the best ways for me to show appreciation for what I have received is to give today's and tomorrow's Worcester State students the same opportunities I had," he says. "Sharing a portion of my stocks seemed like a sensible way to do that."

Jim is thrilled that every year his gift funds four merit-based academic awards of $5,000 each for the top student in each class as well as two annual scholarships of $2,500 each to selected applicants with GPAs of 3.5 or higher and, preferably, who are in the NROTC program.

"There are many bright students attending Worcester State without much money. If you don't help out, you're wasting an asset," he says.

The kinship Jim has developed with the students touched by his generosity led him to also include Worcester State College in his estate plans.

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