The five members of the 9th Fitchburg State University Police Program's Recruit Officer Course (ROC) at Fitchburg State were sworn in as police officers on Wednesday September 9, 2026 before an audience of family, friends, elected leaders and public safety professionals. All of the graduates of our groundbreaking program have already been hired by police departments across the state. As President Donna Hodge told the assembled graduates and audience, “Today, I am most proud of you, the members of the 9th ROC,” said Hodge. “Your discipline and perseverance have led you here, to this stage, where you are being cheered on by family, friends and loved ones, who have believed in you, and, I imagine, been inspired by you. The members of the 10th ROC are in the audience today, looking to follow in your remarkable footsteps. You have set the example, and in this moment I want you to imagine the possibilities that lie before you. Think of the examples you will set in your daily careers, in your personal lives. Imagine the lives your work and your actions will affect.”  Read the full article here.

This afternoon, Student Engagement held Rock the Block XXVIII on the Main Quad. Rock the Block gives students a chance to connect with over 150 Clubs, Organizations, Departments and Non-Profits. There are a plethora of activities, including rock climbing, dinner, club demonstrations, free stuff, and so much more!

The day before the Fitchburg State University Police Program 9th ROC gave back to the underclassmen in the 4+1 Police Program by holding an informal boot polishing training session. Boot polishing in any police academy serves as a foundational tool for instilling discipline, attention to detail, and a shared standard of professional appearance.

This morning, Fitchburg State University Police Chief Michael Cloutier and Fitchburg Fire Department Assistant Chief Patrick Haverty co-hosted a joint disaster preparedness exercise alongside partners from the Fitchburg Police Department and Fitchburg Public Schools.

Today’s scenario focused on a coordinated, multi-agency response to a simulated gas leak near a local elementary school.

True emergency readiness requires breaking down operational silos. By training side-by-side with our city partners, emergency responders, and school officials, we ensure our entire community is prepared, connected, and safe.

This afternoon, Engineering TechnologyProfessor Ana Mesquita-Emlingerwelcomed  Dr. Sabino Luna, M.D., from Argentina, for a a special Lunch & Learn in the Falcon Hub. Dr. Luna, a psychiatrist, psychotherapist, and Chair of the Mental Health Program at the University of La Rioja, Argentina, spoke about mental health, medicine, and spirituality. The session opened with  Brazilian musician Luiz Antonio, following, President Hodge gave welcoming remarks. 

President Donna Hodge and her Cabinet, AKA "The Donut Party Crew", loaded up the Donut Mobile and traveled around campus to hand out doughnuts and connect with students, faculty and staff on this, the first day of class for the fall semester.

After welcome remarks from Professor Laura Garofoli, Faculty Awards, Emeriti Faculty, Staff Awards, and Years of Service Awards were presented by the University Cabinet. Professor Christine Dee then presented the Student Ambassadors who received their green coats. President Donna Hodge then anchored her third annual State of the University address in the theme of "possibility,", delivering an inspiring speech to students, faculty, staff in Weston Auditorium. The program was followed by the Fall Semester Celebration. Read the full article here.

Professor, Dr. Sean Goodlett welcomed our faculty, staff, current and new students to the New Student Matriculation Ceremony this morning in Weston Auditorium. Dr. Franca Barricelli, Acting Provost and Executive Vice President convened the ceremony with Sophie Monis performing the National Anthem. Tim St. John, Dean of Students and Chief Student Affairs Officer introduced our Keynote Speaker Fitchburg State University Graduate, Class of 2014 Red Shaydez, Hip-Hop recording artist and Educator addressed the newest students. After  SGA President Elliot Olynciw-Olkuski and Student Trustee Yari Morales led the the signing of the Class Book, Dr. Donna Hodge, 12th President of Fitchburg State University, led our newest falcons in the Future Falcon Pledge.

President Hodge, along with Acting Provost and Executive Vice President  Franca Barricelli, welcomed our faculty and librarians back to campus at the beginning of their Faculty & Librarian Development Day. In addition to welcoming remarks, the pair along with other Academic Affairs staff provided updates, celebrated achievements, and listened to concerns.