The Marjorie Rodríguez '15, MSW '16, Empowerment Scholarship

Born in Puerto Rico, Marjorie Rodríguez ‘15, MSW ’16, is a Westfield State University alumna. She received two Bachelor’s degrees in 2015, Magna Cum Laude in Social Work and Spanish. She furthered her education when she received her Master of Social work with Advanced Standing in 2016. Shortly after graduation, Marjorie came back to Westfield State as an Academic Advisor for the TRIO Student Support Services Program where she is passionate about supporting first-generation, low-income, and students with documented disabilities. In addition to her being the Program Coordinator, Marjorie serves as a Single Point of Contact for current and former foster students and students experiencing homelessness at Westfield State.

As a former foster youth who also experienced homelessness and food insecurity, Marjorie serves as a co-founder of F.A.C.E.S (Fostering a Culture of Empowerment and Success), a student organization for foster youth. She was also instrumental and a moving force in developing the COMMON GOODS, an on-campus food pantry that serves students and the greater Westfield State community experiencing food insecurities. As a member of the Westfield State University Fostering Student Success Network (F.S.S.N.), Marjorie is committed to advocating, supporting and empowering current and former foster and homeless youth by providing the necessary tools and resources to enrich the college experience, to become self-sufficient and to eliminate barriers that may be preventing the student’s academic success. One of her biggest passions is to treat each student with dignity and respect while celebrating their journey, resiliency, and accomplishments. When the shutdowns emanating from the COVID-19 outbreak put Westfield State University students in a vulnerable position, Marjorie along with her colleagues stepped up, raising $40,000 for essentials for students isolated by the quarantine.

Her compassion, positive energy and undying desire to help students in need and make them feel welcomed, accepted, supported and part of the Westfield State Community are just some of the reason’s Father Warren J. Savage, Director of the Albert & Amelia Ferst Interfaith Center on the campus of Westfield State, has established the Marjorie Rodríguez, ‘16, MSW Empowerment Scholarship. Marjorie’s voice represents those from foster youth, the homeless, the poor, the marginalized and the oppressed. Father Savage believes “Marjorie’s voice is a reflection of what God invites all of us to do…to serve and love others” The inaugural award will be presented for the 2021-2022 academic year to be given in memory of Marjorie’s grandfather, Roberto “Tetelo” Colón.