Yesterday afternoon, students got a little break from classes, tests and projects by spending a little time with Moka, and Penny in the Hammond Maine Lounge, These therapy dogs were a welcome respite from the stress of finals season.

The University recently hosted the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce'sCommunity Leadership Institute Class of 2025 in the Hammond Main Lounge. President Donna Hodge, along with Nicole Conroy of My Turn Inc., and Thomas Browne of Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School spoke to the class about challenges facing the region through the lens of education.

Yesterday afternoon our Veteran Center hosted a Veteran Student Meet and Greet event. This gave  our veteran students the opportunity  to gather for coffee, a snack & camaraderie. In addition, these students had the chance to discuss the unique concerns of veteran students with university staff.

Student teams in English Studies Professor Dr. Katharine Covino's First-Year Experience (FYE) course each created a Public Service Announcement (PSA) which were judged, with a PSA about bussing issues coming out on top. Fitchburg Mayor Samantha Squailia visited the class to sign and give certificates to the winning team. Their efforts paid off as Mayor Squailia has already made improvements, and promised a bus stop shelter is ready to be installed on campus.

President Hodge capped off International Education Week yesterday accepting the generous donation by fellow community member  Rollstone Bank & Trust. A big thank you to Rollstone Bank & Trust employees, customers, friends who donated time and energy to creating these baskets of basic necessities for our newest international students. Director of International Education Nelly Wadsworth, and a group of students were on hand to accept the "kindness kits."

Members of our Student Nursing Association recently gathered in Thompson hall to create Holiday cards that they will deliver to local nursing homes.

Today, the Fitchburg High School Extended Program at Fitchburg State University celebrated Kaylee and Dayana who graduated from the program. The Fitchburg High School Extended Program at Fitchburg State University supports eligible public high school students with intellectual disabilities, ages 18-22, to increase their academic and career success.  Lourdes Ramirez, coordinator of field placements, partnerships and recruitment for Fitchburg State’s School of Education represented the university and presented diplomas along with Fitchburg High School Extended Program and Fitchburg High School staff. 

This evening, the Fitchburg State University community held its Annual Lighting of the Campus with a new twist this year. Prior to the lighting, faculty, staff, and students gathered at Alumni Plaza near Thompson Hall for refreshments, games, conversation, and more. A procession then made it's way down Highland Ave. to the Highland  Plaza for the Annual Lighting of the Campus. After a welcome from Associate Director of Student Development & Commuter and Volunteer Affairs Shane Franzen, and remarks from Student Government Association (SGA) President Michael Burns and  President Hodge, the two led the crowd in a countdown to the lighting of the campus.

 Counseling Services and Fitchburg Anti-Violence Education (FAVE) hosted a Harvest Hang on the main quad this afternoon. Students enjoyed a break with farm therapy animals, pumpkin painting, hot apple cider, and music. 

Students enrolled in the Fitchburg State University Police Program's Recruit Officer Course (ROC) had their monthly meeting yesterday afternoon in Weston Auditorium. After an address by Academy Director Alexandra Wysocki,  Fitchburg State University Police Chief Michael Cloutier moderated a BIPOC Police Panel Discussion. Students heard from Officer Michael Chesson, Fitchburg State University Police, Capt. Lisa Butner, Tufts University Police (retired Lieutenant MSP), Officer Daniella Lopez, Fitchburg Police, Officer Frimpong Antwi, Gardener Police, Officer Dennis Siaw,, Gardener Police, and Officer Carlos Cintron, Leominster Police.