Investing in community and professional development. Yesterday, our AFSCME members gathered for a dedicated Development Day—a fantastic opportunity for colleagues across campus to connect, network, and strengthen workplace relationships. While the day featured plenty of collaborative moments, the most popular highlights included a dedicated relaxation station and a live caricature artist to bring some lighthearted fun to the afternoon. At Fitchburg State University, we know our institution thrives because of the hard work and dedication of our staff. Thank you to our AFSCME members for all that you do to support our university community! 

“Hey Neighbor, Slow Down. It’s not Johnny AppleSPEED.” MassDOT & Leominster Mayor announced a new public safety campaign, and it has a major Fitchburg State connection! Our Principles of Management students helped create it from concept to media strategy. Read the full story here.

Last week, we were thrilled to host the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Family Engagement Convening in our Hammond Main Lounge. Educators from all across the state gathered to dive deep into what matters most: creating a true sense of belonging for families, championing whole-child learning, and sharing real-world strategies that drive student success. Proud to be a hub where the future of education connects and grows. 

On Saturday, Weston Auditorium was packed for a truly historic moment: Fitchburg Access Television (FATV)  live taping of the final episode of Barbara & You.

The event was an incredible, emotional celebration of 50 amazing years of the show and a beautiful tribute to Barbara Foster’s legendary impact on community television.

Adding to the honors, President Donna Hodge took the stage to read an official commendation from Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, recognizing Barbara’s remarkable contributions to civic life and public access media. Joined by local dignitaries, coworkers past and present, and her loving family, it was a beautiful afternoon of shared memories and well-deserved standing ovations.

Thank you, Barbara, for being the voice, the heart, and the story of our community for half a century!

Yesterday, the J.A. Leonard Middle School, from Old Town, Maine performed in Weston Auditorium. The band visited Fitchburg State to perform selections where they received valuable feedback from Community Music Program Instructor & Musician Joseph Wright, spouse of Dr. Amy McGlothlin of our Music Department as part of their annual Band Festival Trip. 

As we observe National Police Week, Fitchburg State University extends its gratitude to our University Police Department.

The Amelia V. Gallucci-Cirio Library hosted a Fitchburg State Community Read panel discussion, “A Novel Idea: Rethinking Our Food Systems,” in Hammond Hall’s Main Lounge.

 It was all about selfies and destressing at the Fitchburg Activities Board (FAB) sponsored Petting Zoo for the second day of Spring Week. 

Sustainability never looked (or felt) so good! We spent a beautiful afternoon on the quad celebrating Earth Day the Fitchburg State way. Our Falcons got busy:

The Office of International Education sponsored their annual International Night last evening, where we celebrated our cultural heritage through food, presentations of dances, music and traditional garb. Food tasting stations, featuring the night's theme; Rice Around the World, included cuisines from Asia, Europe, Africa, Latin America, and India. Attendees were treated to performances by Anne O'Connell's Irish American Step Dancers, members of the Dance Club performing a K-Pop inspired dance and a solo dance, Polynesian dances by Yumi Matsumoto, and a traditional Nigerian performance by Olufunke Ehineni.