Westfield State University Viewpoint: Investment in public higher education pays it forward Updated Jan 28, 2021; Posted Jan 28, 2021 Public institutions provide increased access to higher education and can transform lives, as Westfield State University did for Paul W. Dower. His legacy will be the establishment of two funds in excess of $1 million to support the next generation of Westfield State students. Facebook Share By Roy H. Saigo | Westfield State University It’s no secret that colleges and universities across the nation and the world are struggling financially, and that these problems have deepened with the pandemic. So it is incredibly important, in these times, that we get a little help from our friends.