The Fitchburg State University Nursing Program held its Second Annual White Coat Ceremony in Kent Hall this afternoon. After welcome remarks from Nursing Department Acting Chair Dr. Tara Mariolis, President Richard Lapidus, and Dean of Health and Natural Sciences Dr. Jennifer Hanselman, students watched an inspirational video greeting from Rear Admiral Aisha K. Mix, assistant surgeon general and chief nurse officer of the United States Public Health Service.
Prior to the donning of the white coats, student speaker, Madison Waterson from the Class of 2024, offered a few words to this year's white coat recipients, following, coats were presented by members of the Nursing Program faculty. After coat presentations, Nursing Professor Arlana Arsenault administered the White Coat Ceremony Oath.

Winter Orientation was held in the Hammond Center this morning to welcome our newest Falcons to campus. After registration, the day began with welcome remarks from Dean for Student Development Hank Parkinson, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Patricia Marshall, Vice President for Student Affairs Laura Bayless, and our Student Orientation Leaders. Students and their families heard presentations from various student services departments including Commuter Affairs, Housing and Residential Services, Wellness & Counseling Services, Academic Coaching and Tutoring Center,  Career Services and Advising (CSA), Student Accounts, University Police, and Community Health Connections, Welcome to the flock!

Part of the college experience is getting involved. We encourage our students to take advantage of the opportunities offered outside the classroom, whether you join a club, attend events, volunteer, or seek employment.

There are currently about 75+ active clubs and organizations on campus. They range from large, general organizations like the Student Government Association (SGA) and Fitchburg Activities Board (FAB), to smaller, more niche organizations like Quidditch club or Exercise and Sports Science club. Starting a new club is also always an option. Gymnastics club and the Ice Hockey club were both recently created in the past year.

To learn more about all our clubs check out FalConnect.

Fitchburg State University held the winter ceremony of its 126th commencement exercises at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16 in the university’s Athletics and Recreation Center.

The ceremony included the conferral of graduate and undergraduate degrees. University President Richard S. Lapidus delivered the commencement address.

Also offering remarks were Graduate Student Leadership Award recipient Spencer D. Fuller, who completed a master of science degree in criminal justice, and undergraduate valedictorian Helen “Hallie” Dyer of Westwood, who is completing a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice. Both student speakers were enrolled in the university’s police program.

The ceremony was streamed live on FATV, and can be viewed here.

The Fitchburg State University Dance Club held their annual Winter Showcase Friday night and Saturday afternoon to packed and boisterous audiences. Each performance was choreographed by a member of the club, and the performances were amazing! Senior Kayla Matthews and her self-described Proud Dance Dad served as emcees for the event.

Yesterday evening, the Fitchburg State University community gathered on the Highland Ave. Plaza for the Annual Lighting of the Campus. Members of the staff each spoke briefly after the Fitchburg State Choir began the festivities. Holidays that were spoken about were St. Nicholas Day, Fiesta de Guadalupe, St. Lucia Day, Los Posadas, Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, Dong Zhi, Soyaluna, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Boxing Day, Hmong New Year, and Three Kings Day/Epiphany. In closing, both President Lapidus and Student Government Association (SGA) President Miranda Gustin made remarks, then led the crowd in a countdown to the lighting of the campus.

This afternoon, TRIO, the Academic Coaching and Tutoring Center (ACT), and Disability Services hosted a Friendsgiving event. Students were treated to a hot chocolate bar and baked goods set up in the lounge area outside the three offices.

The Fitchburg State University Campus Center was abuzz today as the university hosts the American Moot Court Association's Eastern Regional Undergraduate Moot Court Qualifying Tournament. Student teams and coaches from as far away as California and Louisiana registered for the event this afternoon. Event coordinator, Economics, History and Political Science Professor Paul Weizer, welcomed volunteer judges, as well as the competing teams. This competition will span this afternoon and all day tomorrow.

Some Fitchburg State alumni Moot Court National Competition Winners were on hand to assist and reminisce with Professor Weizer. Good luck to all competitors!

Co-Producer and Director alumnus Graham Suorsa '02 screened his HBO Max documentary The Fastest Woman on Earth yesterday afternoon in Kent Auditorium. Mr. Suorsa gave a poignant and powerful introduction to the screening, recounting how his days at Fitchburg State University, and interactions with his faculty, formed him into the filmmaker he is today.  One mention of note was Communications Media Professor Gunther Hoos, whose daughter, and Director of Alumni and Family Relations, Tanya Hoos Crowley MS '21 spearheaded the event, and introduced Mr. Suorsa. In particular, Graham mentioned how Professor Hoos took a chance on him, allowing him to do his own production one summer. At that time, Professor Hoos gifted Graham a new director's  slate saying, "Now you're a Director, you need a slate." That slate has appeared in everyone of Mr. Suorsa's productions as an homage to Professor Hoos. Also noted were the love and support of his parents, Fitchburg State friends, and relatives that were in attendance. 

The filmmaker also hosted a Q&A, along with an informal "Pizza with Graham" chat session after the screening to connect with Fitchburg State Falcons past and present.

This afternoon, students got a little break from classes, tests and projects this afternoon by spending a little time with Zelda, Moka, Nellie and Penny in the Hammond Maine Lounge, These therapy dogs were a welcome respite from the stress that comes as the semester progresses. Keep your eyes on University Events for future visits.