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.

The English Studies Department  held their annual High School Writing Awards and Creative Writing Awards Ceremony this afternoon in Presidents Hall. President Hodge welcomed attendees and spoke of the importance of creative writing as a tool for communication. First place winner, or their designees read their award winning pieces. All top prize and honorable mention writing award winners from area high schools were recognized.  Some of the first place high school winners' writing along with Fitchburg State student writing appear in the latest volume of Route Two literary publication.

Best-selling author and illustrator Peter H. Reynolds, a 1983 alumnus of Fitchburg State University, returned to the campus earlier this month for an artist residency for a series of events with students, faculty and community members. On this day, Mr. Reynolds sat with President Hodge for a Q&A session in front of a crowded audience of students, faculty, staff, and community members in the Hammond Hall Main Lounge. Learn more about Peter H. Reynolds' visit to campus here.

Yesterday afternoon, our Disability Services presented How Do You Roar? A Reflection on Human Dignity, Disability, and to Making a Better World with alumnae Pat Deegan. Deegan shared her story of being diagnosed with schizophrenia as a teenager and being told she would be ill for the rest of her life. Today Pat runs her own company and lectures to audiences around the world about recovery after a diagnosis of psychosis. She shared her journey of recovery and invited the audience to reflect upon their unique ROAR.

Last week, President Donna Hodge and Fitchburg State University Police Chief Michael Cloutier wrapped up a days-long emergency management training on campus attended by university administrators and staff as well as representatives from the city’s police and fire departments by handing out giftbags as a token of their appreciation. 

Future Falcons joined us at an admitted student open house to see what their life at Fitchburg State could be. The day's program included campus tours, program-specific information sessions and a reception in the Athletics and Recreation Center. After President Donna Hodge welcomed everyone to the reception, Future Falcons, their families and guests, were able to mingle with a multitude of departments and student groups. The university offers a number of additional visit opportunities, from general tours to specific information sessions geared toward accepted students who are still making their academic decisions. Learn more on your opportunities here at Fitchburg State here.