The English Studies Department  held their annual High School Writing Awards and Creative Writing Awards Ceremony this afternoon in Presidents Hall. President Hodge welcomed attendees and spoke of the importance of creative writing as a tool for communication. First place winner, or their designees read their award winning pieces. All top prize and honorable mention writing award winners from area high schools were recognized.  Some of the first place high school winners' writing along with Fitchburg State student writing appear in the latest volume of Route Two literary publication.

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.

Last week, President Donna Hodge and Fitchburg State University Police Chief Michael Cloutier wrapped up a days-long emergency management training on campus attended by university administrators and staff as well as representatives from the city’s police and fire departments by handing out giftbags as a token of their appreciation. 

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 visited students at the McKay Arts Academy. His instant rapport with students was evident as he shared his story, taught students how to draw, enlisted a student to act out his book The Dot - playing the role of Vashti, and more. 

Fitchburg State University President Donna Hodge and Fitchburg Mayor Samantha Squailia signed a new memorandum of understanding this week geared toward reciprocal support in times of emergency.

The agreement outlines expectations for collaboration and mutual aid between agencies, including critical incident training, drills, and exercises, and providing space on campus or in the city for emergency needs including family reunification.

University President Donna Hodge expressed her admiration for the collaboration between the campus and city leaders that led to the agreement.

Our Center for Italian Culture  hosted a screening of "It Ain't Over", a documentary that  chronicles the journey of Lorenzo Pietro “Yogi” Berra, the son of Italian immigrants who grew up in St. Louis. This film was introduced by long-time Center for Italian Culture Board member, Italianista, and baseball lover Economics, History and Political Science Professor Teresa Fava Thomas (wearing her Red Sox gear).  An autographed copy of Yogi Berra’s autobiography, Yogi: It Ain’t Over (1989) by Yogi Berra was raffled off after the screening.

With the summer program right around the corner, the Upward Bound Math & Science (UBMS) program at Fitchburg State University held a Skate to Success Event this afternoon  at the Wallace Civic Center. The event provided the opportunity to meet our UBMS students and thank you for helping to make this program successful.

The Fitchburg State University  Counseling Services team and other offices on campus throughout Hammond Hall held a Wellness Fair to celebrate the opening of their new wellness space on the second floor. Students got to visit therapy animals, do some wellness activities, get wellness related supplies, grab a snack, and more.