My Worcester State Connection: Ellis J. Cropper ’96

Alumni reflect on how their connections to Worcester State have inspired their giving

MAJ (Ret) Ellis J. Cropper ’96, CLTC Financial Services Professional

WHAT IS YOUR MOST SIGNIFICANT CONNECTION TO WORCESTER STATE?

Probably my most significant connection to Worcester State University is Sid Buxton (founder of OMA). However, I feel connected to the university as a whole because I was very involved during my time as a student. I was an active member of Third World Alliance (TWA), spent four years in student government and held the position as treasurer for two years and was SGA president in my fourth year. I also played basketball and football.

WHAT IMPACT HAS THIS CONNECTION HAD IN YOUR LIFE?

In 1996, one of my younger brothers was put on death row for a crime that he did not commit. Not having any political or social influence, I decided to run and bike from Massachusetts to New Orleans, La., to bring awareness to his case. When I told Sid about the feat I was taking on, he donated the bicycle, which I still have today. He is still one of my greatest mentors. After my most recent conversation with him, I decided that I’ll start calling him the Wizard, because he knows a lot about everything.

HOW HAS THIS CONNECTION INSPIRED YOUR GIVING TO WSU?

It was the Sid Buxton Scholarship that inspired me to give to WSU. Eventually, I would like to sponsor a scholarship for minority students that are interested in studying finance. I’m planning to be able to start an endowment within the next two to three years.