John Hughes, an internationally-renowned composer, musician, and educator, held a kora performance yesterday afternoon in the Hammond Main Lounge. The kora is long-necked harp/lute of the Malinke people of western Africa. The instrument’s body is composed of a long hardwood neck that passes through a calabash gourd resonator, itself covered by a leather soundboard. Hughes also visiting two classes earlier in the day - Medieval Africa and World Music.

Fitchburg State University's Admissions and  Early College and Dual Enrollment hosted English Language Learners (ELL) students from Fitchburg High School and Leominster High School for a morning information session. Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Patricia Marshall opened this, the second year the university has held this event, where she invited ELL students to a current student Q & A  panel, campus tour, and admissions info session - all with live  translation.  Lunch in the dining commons followed,  in order help the students envision themselves as a future college student, and let them know they are valued at Fitchburg State and their diverse linguistic skills and backgrounds are an asset that are community appreciates. 

Yesterday, as part of their First Thursday event series, InTown Fitchburg held the North County Harvest Festival at the Upper Common in Fitchburg. This free event included their Fitchburg Farmers Market with local vendors My County Mushrooms, Growing Places, and more. Baked goods from Mera's Cakes,  crafts from Westminster Hill Crafters, Hollis Hills Farm's pumpkins for painting  - with  painting supplies provided by Fitchburg Cultural Alliance. Entertainment included a live digital art presentation by Monique Reverie, and Hannah Bitterman, Noel Plouffe, and Laurie Strubbe of the  Thurston Consort performed. 

Yesterday, the Fitchburg State University community got the chance to to Pie a Pi. For a small donation, people could throw a pie at a member of Sigma Pi. Learn more about Greek Life here.

This morning, on this National Coffee with a Cop Day, the Fitchburg State University community had the chance to meet with Chief Michael Cloutier and members  of the Fitchburg State University Police as they hosted Coffee with a Cop in the Falcon Hub. MA State Police therapy dog Luna was there as well. The mission of Coffee with a Cop is to break down the barriers between police officers and the citizens they serve.

Career Services and Advising (CSA) hosted an Internship Fair in the Hammond Main Hall this afternoon. The fair gave students the opportunity to meet an array of local businesses and services face-to-face to discuss internships and potential employment. 

This afternoon, Shane Franzen, Associate Director, Student Development
Commuter and Volunteer Affairs and Advisor, Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) welcomed attendees to the second annual LGBTQ+ Flag Presentation in the Falcon Hub in honor of LGBTQ+ History Month. Dr. Jonathan Harvey and the Fitchburg State Choir opened the ceremony with “I am a Voice that Sings” and closed with "Somewhere Over the Rainbow."

Earlier this week, the Office of Student Development (OSD) staff invited everyone to "Stop by &  Spill the Tea" in G-Lobby of Hammond Hall. Tea. both hot & cold, hot cider, and an array of refreshments were offered with the interest of student feedback; What can OSD change?  What's on your mind? What's your question or concern? All feedback will be answered on the OSD Facebook and Instagram accounts.

If you drove down Highland Ave. this morning, your eyes weren't deceiving you, there were indeed  alpaca on the quad courtesy of Commuter Affairs. Students got the opportunity to stretch and center themselves, through yoga, in the company of four alpaca from In the Meadow Farm, Lunenburg, MA. Students clearly enjoyed their session with the friendly camelids. 

Yesterday afternoon, the always popular therapy dogs paid a visit to campus.  Students got a little break from classes, tests and projects by spending a little time with Zelda, Meme, Nellie, Moka, and Daisy in the Falcon Hub. These therapy dogs were a welcome respite from the stress that comes with the semester's workload. Keep your eyes on University Events for future visits.