Framingham State Opening Center Named For Rep. Chris Walsh

FRAMINGHAM, MA — Framingham State University in February will open a new center named for former state Rep. Chris Walsh. The Chris Walsh Center for Educators and Families of MetroWest will assist students will different abilities.

Walsh died in 2018 of cancer, but was an advocate for education and students with disabilities. He had been working on creating a center similar to what will open at Framingham State. The center will provide "information for families and educators about the continuum of educational supports available to students with disabilities, students who are gifted and students with unmet needs," the university said in a statement.

"I think this is going to be an amazing resource,” said Sheryl Goldstein, a member of the Framingham Disability Commission who worked with Walsh on the idea. "It will help parents navigate the complex waters of advocating for a child with special needs and will support our school systems, which are tapped for resources."

Framingham State education professor James Cressey will serve as the center's first director.

Framingham State will host a grand opening on Feb. 13 featuring Senate President Karen Spilka, Mayor Yvonne Spicer, House Speaker Robert DeLeo, and state reps. Maria Robinson and Jack Lewis. The event happens at 7 p.m. at the McCarthy Center Forum.