With President Donna Hodge at the NCAA conference in Washington, DC, Vice President of Personnel Services and General Counsel Stacey Luster hosted our inaugural Campuswide Development Day. Although off-campus, President Hodge gave welcome remarks via video.

Director of International Education Nelly Wadsworth, and Assistant Director of Study Abroad Nicole Salerno welcomed this semester's cohort of International students at their orientation in the Hammond Main Lounge. Students took part in some ice-breaker exercises and a panel discussion  before a day full of information sessions.

Associate Director of Student Engagement and Campus Center Angelo M. Prevosto, Coordinator of Programming and Student Engagement Julia Tardugno, Graduate Assistant for Programming Mallory Judkins and our Orientation Leaders wrapped up yesterday's Winter Orientation session in the Falcon Hub. This gave an opportunity to share some last minute information, and Fitchburg State swag. In addition, the day coincided wit our Falcon Assist Week to  make sure all questions were answered before their departure.

Amidst a day full of activities and information sessions, students - transfers and freshmen -  met with the Registrar and Deans in their selected majors to make sure their schedules are ready before classes begin on January 20th.

Alum Dan Richard of DG Richard Associates, LLC brought a wealth of expertise as he provided training for our Fitchburg State University Police Department today. Sessions focused on two critical pillars of their work: Leadership Development: Strengthening our team from the inside out, and Procedural Integrity: Ensuring all investigations are conducted with constitutional and procedural soundness. Continuous learning is how our Fitchburg State University Police Department stay sharp and serve our community better.

Winter Orientation was held in the Hammond Center today to welcome our newest Falcons to campus. After registration, and meeting our fantastic Orientation Leaders, the program began with welcome remarks from Student Engagement Dean of Students Timothy St. John. welcomed students and their guests in the Hammond Main Lounge. Assistant Director of Student Development  Angelo M. Prevosto introduced our Orientation Leaders who will guide then through a day full of information sessions and activities.

While students are on break, the Fitchburg State University Police Department uses this time as an opportunity to brush up on their skills with varied training sessions. Here, Sgt. Timothy Grant runs a first aid & CPR refresher for our officers. 

Master of Ceremonies Jeremy Roche '94, Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations for Fitchburg Public Schools, welcomed attendees to Weston Auditorium for the inauguration of  Mayor Samantha Squailia, School Committee and City Council.

The ceremony opened with the Fitchburg Police & Fire Department  Honor Guard, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Fitchburg Youth Football & Cheer. Officer Jacob Boivin of the Fitchburg Police Department then performed the National Anthem. Following an opening prayer by Furqan Mehmud, President of the Fitchburg Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Fitchburg State University President Donna Hodge delivered her opening remarks.

 State Representative Michael Kushmerek'08, '13 spoke on behalf of the State Legislature after City Clerk Joanna Bilotta administered the Oath of Office to the City Council, School Committee, and Mayor. The event featured cultural presentations by Guatu’niki, Fitchburg High School, and Las Faldas Rojas Traditional Dance, all preceding Mayor Squailia’s inaugural address.

We couldn't let National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day pass without a massive shout-out to Chief Michael Cloutier and the entire  Fitchburg State University Police  team! 

At Fitchburg State University, policing is about more than safety—it’s about community. Whether they’re at a student forum, cheering at an event, or just stopping for a chat in the quad, our officers go above and beyond to keep our campus welcoming and approachable. We’re incredibly lucky to have a team that prioritizes building trust and genuine friendships over everything else.

Business Department Chair Dr. Michael Greenwood lectured at the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce's Community Leadership Institute Class of 2026's monthly session this morning which was hosted by our good friends and frequent collaborators at Fitchburg Access Television (FATV) in a transformed Studio A. FATV Executive Director Nathan Glenny, a graduate of the program. also presented to the class.