Yesterday's Biotechnology Research Lab Ribbon Cutting event included a panel discussion on life sciences with working professionals in Randall Hall. Dean of the School of Health and Natural Sciences Jennifer Hanselman, Ph.D. welcomed Shawn Fitzpatrick (Resilience), Crystal McKinnon, (Dewpoint Therapeutics, Inc.), Lindsay Duchnowski (Bristol Myers Squibb), and Alanna Zelic (Quest Diagnostics) who discussed the exciting present and future of the life sciences in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. A networking event for undergraduate students  followed the discussion. 

This afternoon, the campus hosted a ribbon-cutting for the biotechnology research lab funded by the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC). in the Antonucci Science Complex. The event will celebrate the university's undergraduate biotechnology research and the state's vibrant workforce. Prior to the ribbon cutting, students presented their research at a poster session, after which, Biology and Chemistry Professor Dr. Michael Nosek welcomed honored guests, students faculty, and staff. Fitchburg State President Richard Lapidus, Fitchburg Mayor Sam Squailia, State Senator John Cronin representative Susan Coughlin Templeton, and MLSC Leadership:  VP Ryan Mudawar made brief remarks. Templeton presented a congratulatory certificate from the Massachusetts State Senate. A tour of the research lab followed the ribbon cutting.

Last night, after a dinner and conversation with Fitchburg State athletes, Stanley Cup Champion Shawn Thornton transitioned to Weston Auditorium for the Stanley Cup Champion Shawn Thornton  Fighting His Way to the Top event sponsored by Office of the President, Office of the Provost, Student Affairs, and the School of Business and Technology. The talk was moderated by:  Toivo Kramer ('25), Samuel Rennick ('25), and Trenton Skaggs ('26). 

This afternoon, the Fitchburg State University Career Services and Advising Center sponsored a Campus Wide Career Fair in the Hammond Main Lounge. This fair, with over 50 local businesses in attendance, was for students from all majors and all class years. Students were strongly encouraged to attend and take this opportunity to connect with employers from a variety of industries.

A fluke spring snow storm couldn't dampen the spirit of our faculty, staff, and students who welcomed prospective students and guests for this season’s first Future Falcon Day event this morning.

Fitchburg State University continued its Community Read with a talk by the author, and alumnus, Keith Gentili about his book White Mountains State: A Four-Year Journey Hiking and Summiting New Hampshire’s 48 Highest Peaks in the Falcon Hub. Gentili regaled the audience with tales of his many adventures hiking the mountains of New Hampshire.

the Office of International Education sponsored an International Night last evening, where we celebrated our cultural heritage through food, presentations of dances, music and traditional garb. Food tasting stations included cuisines from Asia, Europe, Africa, Latin America, and India. Attendees were treated to performances by Anne O'Connell's Irish American Step Dancers, members of the Dance Club performing a K-Pop inspired dance, a musical performance by Harana,  and a presentation of traditional apparel.

Students, their families, faculty and staff gathered in Hammond Gallery.  yesterday afternoon for the opening reception of ARTeries. ARTeries is Fitchburg State University Fine Art Department’s  annual juried exhibition that showcases the strongest original student work in drawing, painting, sculpture, and mixed-media art. ARTeries provides an opportunity for the university community to celebrate the artistic talents of Fitchburg State students. Student works will be on display until April 18, 2024. Learn more about Arts & Culture at Fitchburg State University here.

The Nancy Kelly Lecture Series presented Fostering Our Feminist Future: A Conversation with Rachel O'Leary Carmona this afternoon in the Antonucci Science Complex - Randall Lecture Hall as part of our Women's History Month celebration. After English Studies Professor Katharine Covino honored  Dr. Nancy R. Kelly ’80, fellow English Studies Professor DeMisty Bellinger-Delfeld welcomed those gathered. Carmona, Executive Director of The Women’s March, discussed her activism work and talked about the future of feminism in the United States and the rest of the world. There was also an opportunity for questions and answers. 

This afternoon, Student Development Commuter and Volunteer Affairs Shane Franzen, in conjunction with Financial Aid hosted Scholarship Week Bingo in the Falcon Hub with $300 in prizes plus over $250,000 in scholarship opportunities!