This morning, Fitchburg State University's Upward Bound  Math and Science Summer Program students learned about air pressure - and a little about the innate failure within the scientific method - on the quad during a bottle rocket experiment.

Mathematics Professor Kenneth Takvorian works with students enrolled in our Summer Bridge Program in Edgerly Hall. Learn mare about our Summer Bridge Program, and hear from Joshua Cronin a current Communications Media major student on his experience in the Summer Bridge Program and how it helped him realize his dream of going to college here.

Students in the he Fitchburg State University Police Program's Recruit Officer Course (ROC) learned Interviews and Interrogations techniques from Behavioral Sciences Assistant Professor Michael S. McCutcheon. Professor McCutcheon enlisted the aid of "police officer cum actors" to play the role of victim, while other officers observed and debriefed the students on their given scenario. Learn more about our Criminal Justice Program here.

Outgoing Presidents Richard Lapidus, and incoming President Donna Hodge met with Fitchburg Mayor Sam Squailia and Leomisnter Mayor Dean Mazzarella in an effort to ensure open communications and continued collaboration between the university and our local municipalities amid this change in university leadership.

Today, family members and other honored guests came to see the 6th Fitchburg State University Police Program's  Recruit Officer Course (ROC) in action, and to learn more about the groundbreaking program that university and state leaders hope marks a new direction for the police profession. After initial remarks from Interim Academy Director Alexandra "Ola" Wysocki, Fitchburg State President Richard S. Lapidus welcomed the crowd of parents, grandparents, siblings and friends gathered for the family orientation program.

The campus welcomed representatives from colleges and universities across Massachusetts, and some from New Hampshire, and Rhode Island, today for the the Veterans Certifying Official Conference sponsored by the state Department of Higher Education. Certifying officials on campuses help student veterans get the GI Bill benefits to which they are entitled. Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Patricia Marshall greeted the conference attendees who took part in sessions on topics related to supporting student veterans on campus and helping them complete their academic goals. You can read about Fitchburg State's services at fitchburgstate.edu/veterans.

This afternoon, soon to be retired President Lapidus, and incoming President Donna Hodge hosted an Ice Cream Social at the Lisciotti Pavilion in the Antonucci Science Center. The event was an opportunity for colleagues to gather, meet our new President, and catch up after the academic year and before the summer. Both Presidents doled out the ice cream to an eager and grateful crowd.

This afternoon, Alumni and Giving hosted their annual Retired Educators Luncheon in the Hammond Hall Falcon Hub. After a welcome from Ms. Dawn Morton, ‘90, President of the Alumni Association, guests received a campus update from Vice President of Institutional Advancement, Jeffrey Wolfman. After that, Ms. Morton presented  the Retired Educators scholarship to Alyssa St. Cyr '25, the 2023 Miller Award to Robert “Bob” Hogan, and the 2024 Miller Award to Francine Meigs.

Students in the Fitchburg State University Police Program's Recruit Officer Course (ROC) broke into groups to review various domestic violence case scenarios and presented their findings on whether to make an arrest or not.

The third session of our Summer Orientation 2024 continued with an Opportunities & Outcomes session, where both parents and students learned what a Fitchburg State University experience and education offers. After a rousing rendition of the Cotton Eyed Joe - with plenty of audience participation,  Associate Dean for Student Development Michael Kennedy served as moderator for a panel made up of current students and alumni who answered questions about their own experiences and successes as Fitchburg State University Falcons. Orientation Leaders performed skits during "breaks in the action."