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.

Part of the college experience is getting involved. and as we reach the finish line of another incredible academic year, it's time to pause, reflect, and celebrate the vibrant moments that defined our students'  journey outside the classroom.

Earlier this month, students in Digital Media Innovation (DMI) Professor J.J. Sylvia's  Issues in Digital Media Innovation course discussed their projects utilizing the 3-D printing process. This course offers students the opportunity to experiment with emerging digital tools while examining their impact on society, industry, and culture. Additionally, students will investigate both the research and career opportunities related to one of more of the pathways offered as part of the Digital Media Innovation major.