WSU Urban Studies Blog

In keeping with department tradition, Dr. Murphy's Research Seminar/Capstone students commemorated the submission of their final projects by having lunch at the Boynton Restaurant on Highland Street in Worcester. The students spent the semester working hard and supporting one another to develop projects on a variety of important topics including but not limited to participatory urban planning, affordable housing, urban farming, gentrification, literary urban studies, and community engagement. Congratulations students!  

  The students and some of the staff at the Urban Action Institute actively participated in the Red Flag event as a demonstration of solidarity with victims of relationship abuse and as a means to raise awareness about this critical issue. This initiative underscores the university's commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all students and community members. The Red Flag event is a symbol of the collective determination to confront relationship abuse, encouraging open conversations and an informed understanding of the signs and consequences of such abuse. Through a series of impactful activities and discussions, the Institute aims to engage not only the campus community but also the broader Worcester community, forging vital connections between academia and real-world issues.      By joining the Red Flag event, the Urban Action Institute at Worcester State aimed to continue promote a culture of respect, empathy, and support while offering resour...

The annual Empty Bowls fundraiser took place on November 14 at the Student Center, organized by the Urban Action Institute in collaboration with Chartwell’s and the Student Government Association. The event aimed to raise awareness about hunger and provide resources for students in need. The fundraiser featured a soup lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., with proceeds benefiting Thea’s Pantry on the Worcester State University campus and the Chandler Magnet School Food Pantry. Over 80 participants, including students, faculty, and the public, attended the event with a "Throwback Tuesday" theme, adding a nostalgic touch. Attendees enjoyed two soup varieties, beef stew, fresh bread, and desserts from local businesses. The event showcased community collaboration, with Worcester's business community contributing to address food insecurity. Beyond ticket sales, participants donated directly to the pantries, emphasizing the community's support for one another. The fundraiser als...