It was bittersweet as the Fitchburg State University bid a fond farewell to long-time Materials Management employee Brian Lacombe, Storekeeper IV, who is retiring after well over two decades with the university. Brian touched so many during his tenure and this afternoon saw the result of this good will as so many gathered in the Falcon Hub to share how much he will be missed. Good luck Brian, we will miss your "patented smile!"

Mount Wachusett Community College students in search of a residential collegiate experience may live on the Fitchburg State University campus through a new agreement recently signed by the presidents of the institutions.

Students enrolled in the new Housing Program will benefit from the longstanding collaboration between Fitchburg State and the Mount, which includes articulation agreements, close proximity, a shared regional transportation system, and a shared commitment to supporting students' academic, co-curricular, and social development. 

Participating students from the Mount will also be able to access the facilities, resources, and activities at Fitchburg State.

This afternoon, to mark the last day of classes, the Office of Student Development set up a grill and gave away hot dogs. Not to be outdone, Counseling Services offered ice cream sundaes, and the Office of Alumni and Development offered Add -Your-own -Flavors Lemonade.

Dr. Laura Bayless, who has served as Vice President for Student Affairs since 2017, will retire from the university at the end of June. We honored Dr. Bayless’s years of service at a campus gathering on Tuesday, May 6 in the Hammond Main Lounge. It served as an opportunity to express our gratitude and to wish her well as she steps into this next chapter.

It was all smiles this afternoon when the always popular therapy dogs paid a visit to the Hammond Tower Lounge, Students got a little break from classes, finals and projects by spending a little time with Mischief, Daisy, and Penny. 

Friends, family, colleagues, current & former students gathered in the Falcon Hub yesterday afternoon to celebrate the career of Economics, History and Political Science Department Professor Joshua Spero, Kind words were shared by Professor Paul Weizer, Benjamin Lieberman, and Eric Budd. Elizabeth Walsh, of  Senator John J. Cronin's office presented a citation from the Massachusetts State Senate to honor his years of service. Dr. Spero, while no longer teaching, will remain involved in his much beloved travel abroad programs.

Earlier this week, members of the Bio/Chem Club, along with Biology faculty, gathered at the McKay Campus School parking lot to pick up trash on Rindge Rd. to mark Earth Day. Fitchburg State University Police were on hand to make sure the participants were safe.

Fitchburg State University Police Program  Police Academy Director Alexandra Wysocki and  three of our Police Program students entertained the Future Falcons in the Wallace Gym at the McKay Elementary School. The students got a chance to learn a bit about how important physical fitness, stamina, and cooperation is in the effort to become a police officer. The session ended with Director Wysocki and student inviting the Young Falcons to share what qualities they would appreciate in these soon-to-be officers.

This morning, the university held our annual Undergraduate Conference for Research and Creative Practice in Hammond Hall. The conference is a public forum to enhance student's  skills, to share their work, to see the work of others in their field, and to give and receive valuable feedback. The conference was free to attend and open to the public. We're proud of the work our undergraduate community does -  from the opening performance of Creative Arts Therapies major  Autumn Hughes, attendees had the opportunity to observe lightning talks, oral & poster presentations, panel discussions, ARTeries exhibit, and more! Here are some photos, check back for Take Two to see more photos.

President Hodge was recently at Fitchburg Access Television (FATV), a frequent collaborator and partner of the university, for an interview for Inside Fitchburg featuring Fitchburg Councilor-at-Large Elizabeth Walsh and Fitchburg School Committee Member Jim Walsh. Watch the full interview here.