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."

Our Summer Orientation 2024 continued with some ice breaker activities for our newest Falcons, and some information sessions for Parents & Families. 

We are excited to welcome our Incoming students  at the third sessions of our Summer Orientation 2024 this morning. After ID photos and some general "housekeeping", our newest Falcons made their way to Weston Auditorium where they received boisterous welcome remarks from Associate Dean for Student Development Michael Kennedy, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Patricia Marshall, and Vice President for Student Affairs Laura Bayless in the Weston Auditorium. After introduction of our Orientation Leaders, groups ventured out to the quad for some ice breaker activities, then to a day full of information sessions and activities.

Students in the Fitchburg State University Police Program's Recruit Officer Course (ROC) had “Working with Persons with Disabilities” yesterday afternoon with (Ret.) Sgt. Tim Grant. Sgt. Grant retired recently from the MA State Police after 35 years of service, with many years working in the Disabled Persons Protection Unit.

Our newest Falcons had breakfast with Deans, Department Chairs, and faculty at the Holmes Dining Common this morning. This gave these first year students a chance to go over their schedules, and learn more about their chosen majors before they chose their classes for the upcoming semester.

After a morning full of information sessions and Icebreaker activities, our newest Falcons made their way to the quad for a much needed break before even more activities. They got the opportunity to unwind, make connections, meet with Coaches, grab a gigantic Chartwells cookie, or just relax.