The William J. Boyle Scholarship Fund hosts its 2nd annual “Run Billy Run” 5K road race and 1-mile walk at the Ashley Reservoir in Holyoke on Oct. 1.
STCC Community Engagement Director Lidya Rivera-Early said, “We are super excited to be taking part in this event. Bill was an avid runner and in this way he will be celebrated. The event will benefit The William J. Boyle Scholarship, which honors his legacy and is presented to a Putnam student who will attend STCC.”
Use this link to register for the event. Signup in advance for the walk or run for $25
On race day, registration will be $30. Registration includes: bib, long sleeve wicking shirt and post-race cookout
At the 2019 Commencement, STCC President John B. Cook presented the Distinguished Alumni Award to William J. Boyle (STCC Class of 1976), a retired judge and pillar of the Greater Springfield Community. His family accepted the award on his behalf.
A Springfield native, Judge Boyle died after a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly referred to as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease” or ALS.
He was raised by a widowed mother who instilled in him and his brothers the value of an education. This scholarship will honor his legacy and allow a student who may be fighting those same odds have the means to succeed in higher education.
(The following is from the Run Billy Run 2022 website)
The William J. Boyle Scholarship is awarded to a student from Roger L. Putnam Vocational-Technical Academy who will be attending Springfield Technical Community College.
The WJB Scholarship was established in 2019 in Judge Boyle’s honor.
Billy was a proud Springfield native and graduate of both Putnam (salutatorian, class of 1974) and STCC (class of 1976). Raised by a widowed mother, Judge Boyle and his two brothers sought education as a means to transcend their standing.
Judge Boyle studied the printing vocation beginning his higher education at STCC. He completed additional studies at Western New England University where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in marketing and his Juris Doctorate.
In his career of more than 35 years, Judge Boyle worked as a prosecutor for the Hampden County District Attorney’s office, established a private practice, served on the Springfield City Council (including two terms as President), and presided over Springfield District Court as its First Justice.
He said in 2017, “Even though we didn’t have money, I always wanted to go to college. And it was a big challenge because there was not scholarships and financial aid like there are today.” This scholarship will honor his legacy and allow a student who may be fighting those same odds have the means to succeed in higher education.
Bill was an avid runner and the road race will be full of various aspects he loved from each of his favorite races – scenic course, live music, great party!
