Rebecca Hess '22 is putting her customer service and political science skills to work.

"My political science simulations taught me communications and management skills. Even if I don’t agree with you, I can understand your position so we can try to meet in the middle."

As a newly-minted university graduate, Rebecca Hess ‘22 has already made a career out of constituent service.

The Leominster native enrolled at Fitchburg State University four years ago because she wanted to stay local while pursuing a college degree in political science, and planned to keep working part-time.

“As soon as I turned 16, I had a job,” said Hess, who counts Chuck E. Cheese and Barnes & Noble among her prior posts. 

Those jobs weren’t glamorous, but Hess learned a lot about customer service from the daily interactions with patrons. “I had years of interacting with so many different types of people,” she said. “What I’ve learned is you can’t be taught those skills without having that experience in customer service.”

Last week, The Caterpillar Lab of Marlborough, NH presented to third grade classes at McKay Arts Academy. The Caterpillar Lab fosters a greater appreciation and care for the complexity and beauty of our local natural history through live caterpillar educational programs, research initiatives, and photography and film projects. The Lab believes that an increased awareness of one’s local environment is the foundation on which healthy and responsible attitudes towards the broader natural systems of this world is built. 

After a welcome from Assistant Dean for Student Success Jason Smith, and remarks from President Richard Lapidus, the inaugural Data & Student Success Conference,  began in Hammond Hall. The day-long conference featured experts from across  Fitchburg State: Academic Affairs, Admissions, Enrollment Management, IT, Registrar & Student Affairs. This conference served as an opportunity for staff to show each other how data, and data management platforms are used to better serve our students.

Saturday, May 14, 2022 was a perfect day for the 126th Annual Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony at Fitchburg State University. A BIG THANK YOU to all of our graduates, their friends & families, administration, staff , alumni, and faculty who all made the day a success. As promised, here are the photos from Saturday's event; 

Members of the Fitchburg State University Class of 2022 gathered in the Falcon Hub for Senior Brunch. They heard from Vice President for Student Affairs Laura Bayless, and  Director of Alumni and Family Relations, Tanya Hoos Crowley as they will soon be a member of the 49,000 strong Fitchburg State alumni. It gave the seniors one last chance to gather, plan for the future, get some photos, and take part in the senior toast.

Our Center for Diversity and Inclusiveness wrapped up their Finals Grab and Go week to support students during finals today. It was six days with opportunities to grab a treat and relax in the office, and take a break from finals. Yesterday was Tropical Freeze Pops, and today was a Popcorn Bar with sweet & savory topping options.

As part of the Senior Frenzy for finals week, seniors got an opportunity to take a bit of a break during finals week - grab a snack, and take their minds off testing with some relaxation-centric activities; kinetic sand, funky stress balls, coloring books, etc..

To support our students during finals, our Center for Diversity and Inclusiveness is holding Finals Grab and Go - six days with opportunities to grab a treat and relax in the office, and take a break from finals. Monday Grab and Go was a French Fry Bar.