This afternoon, students got a little break from classes, tests and projects this afternoon by spending a little time with Daisy, Moka, Penny, and  Fitchburg State University Police's own Odin in the Hammond Main Lounge. These therapy dogs were a welcome respite from the stress that comes as the semester begins. Keep your eyes on University Events for future visits.

Students in Fitchburg State’s game design program work on their their capstone projects in the IdeaLab located off-campus. The IdeaLab houses a state of the art studio space designed to promote applied work and create interaction between students, faculty and working professionals. Student groups are tasked with creating a game wherein students have the opportunity to work with developers from Rockstar New England as mentors. Today, Game Design Professors Les Nelken and  Samuel Tobin work with the student groups who are early on in the process.

Earlier today, Fitchburg State University President Richard S. Lapidus welcomed legislators and honored guests to outline the plans for the Fitchburg State University Performing Arts Center as an economic driver for the North Central Massachusetts area. After welcoming remarks from President Lapidus, Senator John Cronin, Representative Michael Kushmerek, and Fitchburg Mayor Stephen DiNatale addressed the guests.  After outlining the benefits of the Performing Arts Center to downtown Fitchburg, President Lapidus welcomed President & CEO, North Central MA Chamber of Commerce Mr. Roy Nascimento to illustrate the benefits to the region as a whole. Attendees were then invited to tour the former Fitchburg Theater - the proposed location for Phase 3 of the project.

Taco...Friday? Members of the Sigma Tau Gamma brotherhood offered free tacos on the G-Level of Hamond hall today as part of Rush Week. Learn more about Greek Life here.

Alums Willard French '76, David Holton '68, and William McCaffrey '76, along with Jeffrey A. Wolfman, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, were at the Klondike Ave. Warehouse this afternoon to inspect the Walter Harrod Antique Tool Collection with the intent of evaluating and categorizing for a potential exhibit. Walter F. Harrod, a 1940 graduate of Fitchburg State Teachers College, and Woodworking Professor in the Industrial Arts program (1947 - 1978) was a mentor to these, and countless other alumni.

Yesterday afternoon, Career Services and Advising (CSA) held a Transfer Student Information Session near their third floor office in the Hammond Building. The informal gathering was meant to catch students up on all of the services they have to utilize here at Fitchburg State University. Students got to mingle, get questions answered, grab a snack, and get some free swag.

This afternoon, Student Development held Rock the Hall in Hammond Hall. Rock the Hall gives students a chance to connect with student Clubs and  Organizations here on campus.

Today's storm made our beautiful campus a winter wonderland.

The Fitchburg State University Nursing Program held its Second Annual White Coat Ceremony in Kent Hall this afternoon. After welcome remarks from Nursing Department Acting Chair Dr. Tara Mariolis, President Richard Lapidus, and Dean of Health and Natural Sciences Dr. Jennifer Hanselman, students watched an inspirational video greeting from Rear Admiral Aisha K. Mix, assistant surgeon general and chief nurse officer of the United States Public Health Service.
Prior to the donning of the white coats, student speaker, Madison Waterson from the Class of 2024, offered a few words to this year's white coat recipients, following, coats were presented by members of the Nursing Program faculty. After coat presentations, Nursing Professor Arlana Arsenault administered the White Coat Ceremony Oath.

Associate Director of Student Development & Commuter and Volunteer Affairs Shane Franzen, and Graduate Assistant Alyssa Annes, hosted a Pop Up n the Hammond Street Level Lobby to celebrate National Popcorn Day.