This afternoon, Associate Director of Student Development & Commuter and Volunteer Affairs Shane Franzen welcomed attendees to the Dedication and Ribbon Cutting of the Falcon Community Outreach Center (formally known as the Volunteer Center) on the G-level of the Hammond Building. The Center houses the Falcon Bazaar Food and Necessities Pantry and Professional Clothing Closet. Laura A. Bayless, Vice President of Student Affairs enlightened people with some eye-opening statistics about student need at large and specifically to Fitchburg State University. President Lapidus did the honors and then toured the facility. 

Today was a beautiful day for the first installment of our  Fall Open House. It's an ideal way for perspective students to find out everything they want to know about Fitchburg State University. Attendees toured the campus, and had the opportunity to meet with faculty, coaches, and staff. Our next Fall Open House. will be held on Saturday, Oct. 29. Learn more here, and register online!

The Upward Bound Math & Science (UBMS) program at Fitchburg State University was honored and recognized by Comcast yesterday for their participation, commitment and accomplishments at the Jurassic World: Rule Your Future STEAM Initiative, that they attended in Los Angeles, CA in June, 2022.  The event was sponsored by Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) and Comcast/NBC Universal Studios, to focus on strengthening STEAM preparation and skills among low-income, first-generation students. 

In a dual celebration of Latinx/a/o Month & LGBTQ+ History Month, the Fitchburg State University community was encouraged to gather this afternoon of networking, storytelling, and viewing of Worcester Based QBIPOC Art Collective "El Salon" and their amazing art pieces, which showcased artists from the Worcester Region, at the GSA Rainbow Reception in the Hammond Main Lounge.

Chartwells Dining offered all things Fall at today's Fall Festival in the Dining Commons. Offerings included activities like Squash Bowling, and Pumpkin Tic-Tac-Toe, and autumn-centric foods like, apple crisp bar, pumpkin whoopie pies, hot apple cider bar, and more. Local farms and businesses were featured in both the food and free items for take away were, Hollis Hills Farm, Gove Farm, The Country Hen, Table Talk Pies, Pierce Bros Coffee, and Westfield Farm. Thanks to all!

Career Services and Advising (CSA) hosted an Internship Fair in the Hammond Main Hall yesterday 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 morning, on this, National Coffee with a Cop Day, the Fitchburg State University community had the chance to meet members of the Fitchburg State University Police for coffee and conversation outside the North Street Bistro. Fitchburg State University Police's own Odin was there along with MA State Police therapy dog Luna were there. The mission of Coffee with a Cop is to break down the barriers between police officers and the citizens they serve.

This afternoon, Shane Franzen, Associate Director, Student Development
Commuter and Volunteer Affairs and Advisor, Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) and Provost,  Dr. Patricia Marshall, welcomed attendees to the first ever LGBTQ+ Flag Presentation and Poetry Readings in the Falcon Hub in honor of
LGBTQ+ History Month. GSA Officers Allison Turner (President), Matt Messina (Secretary), and Emily Maestri (Treasurer), were among the poem readers. The Presentation of Flags was led by Shane, along with; Laura Bayless, Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. Hank Parkinson, Dean of Students, Joe Flannagan, Case Manager for Student Affairs, Cheyenne Bryan, Coordinator of Greek Life and Programming, and Andrew Klein, Director of Community Standards. Dr. Jonathan Harvey and the Fitchburg State Choir for a very special presentation of “True Colors.” Followed by Professor Dr. DeMisty Bellinger-Delfeld recitation of her poem, "Orlando."

Love was in the air yesterday in the Hammond Maine Lounge where four therapy dogs, including Fitchburg State University Police's own Odin, were on hand so students could take a stress break. Keep your eyes on University Events for future visits.

 Counseling Services offered an array of Wellness and Relaxation Stations in the Falcon Hub this afternoon. Stations included, adult coloring, inspirational & affirming phrases, relaxation exercises, healthy snacks and more!  Counseling Services strives to provide an inclusive space that honors the strengths, lived experience, and uniqueness of each individual. Our counselors provide services focused on wellness, growth, and self advocacy, in order to enhance your success at the university and in the larger community.