With open arms and an open heart, Fitchburg State University President Donna Hodge gleamed with pride as she spoke at the International Student Welcome session on Thursday afternoon in the Hammond Main Lounge.

Director of International Education Nelly Wadsworth, and Assistant Director of Study Abroad Nicole Salerno welcomed this semester's cohort of International students at their orientation in the Hammond Maine Lounge. Students took part in some ice-breaker exercises before a day full of information sessions.

President Hodge capped off International Education Week yesterday accepting the generous donation by fellow community member  Rollstone Bank & Trust. A big thank you to Rollstone Bank & Trust employees, customers, friends who donated time and energy to creating these baskets of basic necessities for our newest international students. Director of International Education Nelly Wadsworth, and a group of students were on hand to accept the "kindness kits."

Director of International Education Nelly Wadsworth, and her staff, capped off this year's International Education Week with their International Education Week Flag Challenge & Awards. A poster with flags representing where our current international students have come from was placed in Hammond Hall and the Fitchburg State University community was challenged to test their knowledge by identifying the country and capital city of each nation. 

Last night, the Office of International Education (OIE) and the Fitchburg Indian Student Association observed Diwali in the Main Lounge of Hammond Hall. Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights with its variations also celebrated in other Indian religions. It symbolizes the spiritual "victory of light over darkness, good over evil, 
and knowledge over ignorance". The event, including dinner, dancing and an educational portion, Dustin Hodge, husband of President Donna Hodge, represented her for the Felicitation Ceremony, and joined staff members for the   lighting of the Dias.

Economics, History and Political Science Department Professor Joshua Spero Introduced Dr. Klaus Hegemann, Professor of International Business Administration and International Relations at Rhine-Waal University  in Kleve, Germany who spoke about Expanding the Rhine-Waal University-Fitchburg State University Partnership in the Falcon Hub.

After introductions from Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs Franca Barricelli and Director of International Education Nelly Wadsworth at today's Board of Trustees meeting, three of our students who took part in our International Education programs shared their experiences with the Board members. Sky Goba (Communications faculty-led program in Greece), Kervins Blanc (Peace Studies faculty-led program in Ireland), and Gabriel Rivera (semester abroad at the University of Valencia, Spain) were interviewed by Matthew Bruun, Executive Director of Communications and Public Affairs. 

Dr. Alexander Brand, Professor of International Relations, one of the three dignitaries visiting the Fitchburg State University campus from Rhine-Waal University in Kleve, Germany, presented German Perspectives on the US Elections in the Falcon Hub. Faculty, students, staff, & administration gathered to hear this unique perspective on our election cycle.

This evening, President Donna Hodge welcomed a delegation from Rhine-Waal University in Kleve, Germany at a reception at the Iver Johnson House - the president’s residence. There are a  a series of events planned for the visit. Fitchburg and Kleve have been sister cities for more than 30 years, and the two universities have also partnered on international degree programs.

This afternoon, our Office of International Education honored students who've come to Fitchburg State University from abroad, as well as Fitchburg State University students who took advantage of our Study Abroad Program. Students were honored for, and shared their life changing experiences and received medals to wear during tomorrow's  Undergraduate Commencement ceremony. Faculty and staff, who volunteered for the Study Abroad Program were also acknowledged for their contributions.