Max and Shirley Bookless Scholarship

The Max and Shirley Bookless Scholarship is awarded to students who have completed at least 12 credits in the Culinary Arts program at Berkshire Community College. Recipients of this award will have demonstrated financial need. This scholarship was endowed by Maxine and Nancy Bookless; daughters of Max and Shirley in memory and honor of their parents’ legacy of service to the students of the Culinary Arts program and Berkshire Community College. Mr. Bookless operated BCC’s first food concession at the former Second Street campus and later served as the food services manager at the West Street campus until his retirement in 1983. Max was a sympathetic ear to students, faculty, and staff over the years and made sure no one ever went hungry. He was an early and ongoing supporter of BCC’s Culinary and Hospitality programs. Max and Shirley’s lives were influenced by their association with BCC — they made many friends and enjoyed many programs and events here. Upon his retirement, the couple were given a lifelong pass to the culinary arts student dinners. Shirley passed away in March 2002 at the age of 83; and Max passed away in January 2012 at the age of 93