Yesterday afternoon, our homecoming celebration kicked off with a pep rally on the main quadrangle. The Fitchburg State University community gathered to cheer on the Falcons as they geared up for a weekend of athletic competition and school spirit.

Yesterday afternoon English Studies Professor Kisha Tracy welcomed all to the 
You FIT Here! Fitchburg Your Story Celebration on the quad. The event celebrated both the university and the city, learning about some of our shared heritage. Remarks were made by  SGA President Michael Burns, Communications Media Professor Dr. J.J. Sylvia Coordinator, Crocker Center for Civic Engagement and School of Business and Technology Professor Renee Scapparone, Dean of the Amelia V. Gallucci-Cirio Library Jackie Kremer. Dr. Tracy presented the 2025 "Fitchburg Your Story" Podcast Winners: Most Compelling Emphasis on Marginalized Communities - "The Voice of the First" by Justin Conner, Best Delivery - "From Chaos to Community" by Michael Sauvageau, and  Best Overall - "She Spoke" by Julia Grace Ducharme. 

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. Fitchburg State University Police therapy dog in-training Zara 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.

Yesterday afternoon, Shane Franzen, Director of Presidential Events, and the Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) Board Members  welcomed attendees to the annual LGBTQ+ Flag Presentation and Flag Raising  at Alumni Plaza in honor of LGBTQ+ History Month. Dr. Jonathan Harvey and the Fitchburg State Choirs opened the event. 

This morning, as part of the university's You FIT Here! Fitchburg Your Story program, Fitchburg State University School of Education and English Studies programs held a Teach-In at Abolitionist Park. Professors Danette Day, Kisha Tracy, and William Cortezia taught their Culturally Proficient Educator, Diversity in Education, and The Bible as Literature courses in Abolitionist Park.   

This morning, as part of our continuing effort to support our veteran students, Dean of Student Affairs Timothy St. John. and Fitchburg State University Military and Veteran Services Director Nolan Buck hosted Worcester County Veterans Services Organization Meet & Greet to share services for and learn mor about what services are available to veterans. Representatives from VeteransInc, Project New Hope, Habitat for Humanity, Office of the Veteran Advocate (OVA) , and MassHire presented their veteran-centric services.

Yesterday afternoon, students got a little break from classes, tests, and projects by spending a little time with old favorites Moka, and Penny joined by newcomers Silas and Tilley in the Hammond Maine Lounge. These therapy dogs were a welcome respite from early semester stresses.

Fitchburg State University Communications Media faculty held a Meet & Greet with students in the Highland Plaza in front of the Conlon Building. This gave students in and out of the major the opportunity to engage, and have any questions answered.

Yesterday afternoon, Student Success held the Falcon Support Ice Cream Social in the Hammond Main Lounge. The event offered an opportunity for students to learn more about support services available to them, engage with the community, get any questions answered, meet new people and departments, and of course, enjoy some ice cream with staff, students and Freddy the Falcon.

Krysta López, Program Coordinator of our Center for Diversity and Inclusiveness hosted a Flag Raising Ceremony on the Alumni Quad (between Hammond Hall and Thompson Hall) this afternoon in to kick off Hispanic Heritage Month. Our annual Hispanic Heritage Month celebration of the contributions and influence of the Hispanic and Latinx/a/o community to our history and culture is observed with a series of entertaining and informative events September 15 - October 15.