Yesterday, Alumni and Giving hosted their annual Retired Educators Luncheon in the Hammond Hall Falcon Hub. After a welcome from John Garten, ‘89, President of the Alumni Association, guests received a campus update from Vice President of Institutional Advancement, Jeffrey Wolfman. After that, Mr. Garten presented  the Retired Educators scholarship to Aimee Dennler '26, and the Joel D. Miller Award to Steve Tulli '91, '95. The  Joel D. Miller Award, established in 1955, is presented to a Fitchburg State University alumnus who is recognized as an outstanding educator. Joel D. Miller served as a state senator and member of the Board of Education, and is considered one of the three founders of the State Normal School in Fitchburg. In 1903, he was honored with the name of one of the university’s first dormitories, Miller Hall. In his honor.

Fitchburg State University just wrapped up its 129th Undergraduate Commencement exercises on the main quadrangle. After reflections from from President Donna Hodge, inspiring words from internationally renowned author, illustrator, entrepreneur and Fitchburg State University alumnus Peter H. Reynolds, and Robert V. and Jeanne S. Antonucci Leadership Award winner Alexia Perez-Lucas '25, eager graduates received their degrees. Here is a first look at the day, check back to see all the photos from today's event!

Fitchburg State celebrated its 129th commencement exercises, graduate ceremony, on Thursday, May 15, 2025. President Donna Hodge, shared, 

After recording her podcast in the Falcon Hub  for Perseverantia: the Fitchburg State Podcast Network yesterday, Artrepreneur Red Shaydez, a Fitchburg State University alumna, hip hop recording artist, educator and cultural architect was interviewed on Fitchburg State University radio station WXPL 91.3 FM on the Joel Rodriguez Show.

Artrepreneur Red Shaydez, a Fitchburg State University alumna, hip hop recording artist, educator and cultural architect was live in the Falcon Hub in Hammond Hall today for a live for Perseverantia: the Fitchburg State Podcast Network podcast recording. After an introduction by Economics, History and Political Science Professor Katherine Jewell, award-winning filmmaker, Communications Media/Film/Video Concentration student, Tonia Magras conducted the interview.

Communications Media Alum and Lead Product Designer and Partner at Full Nelsen, Austin Soares '14, Interactive Media & Graphic Design, visited Professor Randy Howe's Communicating Product Design course to critique two student groups who presented on revamping websites and logos designs for Boston bases businesses. This group - the Dough-minators presented their updates for Bova's Bakery in the North End.

This year's Visions, a juried honors exhibit of the Communications Media Department, opened with an Alumni Panel featuring Communications Media alumni who discussed their professional careers, gave advice, and took questions from current students. Thank you to the alumni, jurors, Communications Media faculty, students, and staff. The Exhibit will run until August 1, 2025. 

Future Falcons joined us at an admitted student open house to see what their life at Fitchburg State could be. The day's program included campus tours, program-specific information sessions and a reception in the Athletics and Recreation Center. After President Donna Hodge welcomed everyone to the reception, Future Falcons, their families and guests, were able to mingle with a multitude of departments and student groups. The university offers a number of additional visit opportunities, from general tours to specific information sessions geared toward accepted students who are still making their academic decisions. Learn more on your opportunities here at Fitchburg State here.

Best-selling author and illustrator Peter H. Reynolds, a 1983 alumnus of Fitchburg State University, returned to the campus earlier this month for an artist residency for a series of events with students, faculty and community members. On this day, Mr. Reynolds sat with President Hodge for a Q&A session in front of a crowded audience of students, faculty, staff, and community members in the Hammond Hall Main Lounge. Learn more about Peter H. Reynolds' visit to campus here.

Yesterday afternoon, our Disability Services presented How Do You Roar? A Reflection on Human Dignity, Disability, and to Making a Better World with alumnae Pat Deegan. Deegan shared her story of being diagnosed with schizophrenia as a teenager and being told she would be ill for the rest of her life. Today Pat runs her own company and lectures to audiences around the world about recovery after a diagnosis of psychosis. She shared her journey of recovery and invited the audience to reflect upon their unique ROAR.