This afternoon, TRIO, the Academic Coaching and Tutoring Center (ACT), and Disability Services hosted a Friendsgiving event. Students were treated to a hot chocolate bar and baked goods set up in the lounge area outside the three offices.

Faculty, staff , and students went about their way on the Highland Plaza this afternoon as preparations were being made for this week's Annual Lighting of the Campus. The campus will gather at the plaza for the Lighting of the Campus on Thursday, December 1, at 4:30. 

Associate Director of Student Development & Commuter and Volunteer Affairs Shane Franzen continued the tradition of decorating the Hammond Hall vestibule for the Christmas holiday. As you can see, a focal point are the trees Shane sets up on the Hammond Hall landing.

Late last week, Dean of The School of Health and Natural Sciences Dr. Jennifer Hanselman and Engineering Technology Department faculty welcomed local business partners to the  Fitchburg State University Engineering Technology Department's Industry Advisory Board (IAB) meeting. Included on the agenda was an opportunity for students to present their work to the partners in attendance.

Members of our Admission Staff, along with our Student Ambassadors/Tour Guides, eagerly welcomed three groups to the Fitchburg State University campus Friday. We were delighted to host seventy students from Narragansett High School, twenty students from Boston Prep Charter School, and twelve transfer students. Each group attended Information session, toured our beautiful campus, and then had lunch where they were able to ask current students about the university. 

Co-Producer and Director alumnus Graham Suorsa '02 screened his HBO Max documentary The Fastest Woman on Earth yesterday afternoon in Kent Auditorium. Mr. Suorsa gave a poignant and powerful introduction to the screening, recounting how his days at Fitchburg State University, and interactions with his faculty, formed him into the filmmaker he is today.  One mention of note was Communications Media Professor Gunther Hoos, whose daughter, and Director of Alumni and Family Relations, Tanya Hoos Crowley MS '21 spearheaded the event, and introduced Mr. Suorsa. In particular, Graham mentioned how Professor Hoos took a chance on him, allowing him to do his own production one summer. At that time, Professor Hoos gifted Graham a new director's  slate saying, "Now you're a Director, you need a slate." That slate has appeared in everyone of Mr. Suorsa's productions as an homage to Professor Hoos. Also noted were the love and support of his parents, Fitchburg State friends, and relatives that were in attendance. 

The filmmaker also hosted a Q&A, along with an informal "Pizza with Graham" chat session after the screening to connect with Fitchburg State Falcons past and present.

This afternoon, the Fitchburg Activities Board (FAB) gave students the opportunity to repot a succulent - get it, "succs"- and get their photo taken with their succulent in it's personalized new "home."

This afternoon, students got a little break from classes, tests and projects this afternoon by spending a little time with Zelda, Moka, Nellie and Penny in the Hammond Maine Lounge, These therapy dogs were a welcome respite from the stress that comes as the semester progresses. Keep your eyes on University Events for future visits.

Yesterday afternoon, the Fitchburg State community gathered to celebrate the 25th anniversary of TRIO Student Support Services here on campus. Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Bayless kicked things off  by welcoming everyone to the event, and thanking some key offices/personnel that helped make the event happen. Next, to honor I Am First Day, Dean of Students Dr. Hank Parkinson enlightened attendees with some "first-gen facts." Lastly, Director of TRIO Student Support Services Elizabeth Swartz thanked both speakers, and invited everyone to look at the four-floors poster-installation in the library, and enjoy cupcakes and refreshments.

Each year, Fitchburg State University hosts the Staff Golden Pumpkin Costume Contest - this year's theme was TV Shows. Look closely and you will see The Brady Bunch, Hell's Kitchen, Survivor, Blues Clues, Scooby Doo, The Price is Right, Marvel TV, The Simpsons, and The Crown. Some offices went the extra mile with fully formed skits! The winning office gets bragging rights for an entire year along with the Golden Pumpkin Trophy!