Students in Biology and Chemistry Professor Robert Pijewski's Human Anatomy & Physiology I Lab examine tissue specimins  in the Antonucci Science Complex. The course explores the structure and function of the human organism on the cellular, tissue, organ, and system levels. Cellular metabolism, histology, and the following systems: skeletal, muscular, and nervous (including the special senses) are examined. The laboratory emphasizes both physiology and the dissection of preserved mammalian specimens.  

Lat last week, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Computer Information System, Engineering Technology, and Mathematics faculty involved in the National Science Foundation (NSF) S-STEM Project gathered in Presidents Hall for the NSF S-STEM Program Year 2 Meet & Greet with the newest cohort. The project is committed to improving STEM majors in Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Computer Information System, Engineering Technology, and Mathematics student experience. 

This morning President Hodge, Fitchburg State University Police Chief Michael Cloutier, members of the University Police, Fitchburg Police Department,  university faculty and staff, local dignitaries, and more joined with Fitchburg Fire Department (FFD) at their North Street Headquarters, adjacent to the university, to commemorate lives lost during the attacks on 9/11/2001. The ceremony was held at the 9/11 memorial outside Fire Department headquarters - a piece of a steel beam from the North Tower of the World Trade Center anchors the memorial.

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.