Fitchburg State University  Students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community partners gathered to reflect on women’s leadership, mentorship, and the importance of investing in the next generation of student athletes. As Women’s History Month begins, at yesterday’s She Soars luncheon.

We welcomed Gigi Marvin, a 2018 Olympic gold medalist, who spoke about resilience, teamwork, humility, and the kind of leadership that grows out of commitment to something bigger than yourself. Her message resonated deeply with the students in the room who are shaping their unique journeys. Fitchburg State University recently approved women’s ice hockey as our 18th varsity sport coming in fall 2027. Learn more here.

This morning, President Donna Hodge welcomed State Senator John Cronin  and Fitchburg State alum State Representative Michael Kushmerek  to campus for a very special occasion: celebrating the outstanding victory of our Moot Court team.

Master of Ceremonies Jeremy Roche '94, Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations for Fitchburg Public Schools, welcomed attendees to Weston Auditorium for the inauguration of  Mayor Samantha Squailia, School Committee and City Council.

The ceremony opened with the Fitchburg Police & Fire Department  Honor Guard, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Fitchburg Youth Football & Cheer. Officer Jacob Boivin of the Fitchburg Police Department then performed the National Anthem. Following an opening prayer by Furqan Mehmud, President of the Fitchburg Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Fitchburg State University President Donna Hodge delivered her opening remarks.

 State Representative Michael Kushmerek'08, '13 spoke on behalf of the State Legislature after City Clerk Joanna Bilotta administered the Oath of Office to the City Council, School Committee, and Mayor. The event featured cultural presentations by Guatu’niki, Fitchburg High School, and Las Faldas Rojas Traditional Dance, all preceding Mayor Squailia’s inaugural address.

The University recently hosted the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce'sCommunity Leadership Institute Class of 2026 in the Hammond Main Lounge. In the morning, Business Department Chair and CLI Instructor Dr. Michael Greenwood led the group in a team exercise. Later in the day, President Donna Hodge, along with Nicole Conroy of My Turn Inc., Thomas Browne of Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School, and Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC) President James Vander Hooven spoke to the class about challenges facing the region through the lens of education.

Director of Upward Bound Math & Science Nate Obin gave welcoming remarks and introduced Keynote Speaker, and First Generation Student, Dustin Hodge for our celebration of First Generation Day in the Hammond Main Lounge. Director of TRIO Student Support Services Elizabeth Swartz served as moderator for two First Gen panels; one consisting of current students, the other faculty and staff who all shared their experiences as a first generation college student. 

On Saturday morning in the Hammond Hall Main Lounge, the 2025 Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) champion Fitchburg State University men's hockey team was finally handed the glittering, custom-forged rings, transforming months of sweat and sacrifice into a single, overwhelming flash of victory.

Each year, Fitchburg State University's Office of Student Engagement holds, and judges, the Staff Golden Pumpkin Costume Contest - this year's theme was Streaming Shows. The winning office gets bragging rights for an entire year along with the Golden Pumpkin Trophy! 

President Hodge helped kick off the Annual Go Falcons Challenge this morning in our Alumni and Giving Office.  to each Falcon Athletics team. To support their respective athletic teams. Help support Fitchburg State Athletics by donating to the Falcon Athletics team of your choice, just click here.

Nursing Simulation Lab Director Ian Murray, Nursing Department Chair Deborah Benes, and Nursing faculty Heather Wironen gave a tour of our Nursing Simulation Lab. After the tour, President Hodge shared; "That’s why this program matters so much. What I saw in the lab—students practicing with focus and humanity—reminded me that investing in nursing education is not just about the university. It’s about the quality of care every one of us hopes for when we or someone we love needs it most."

Last week, the morning of our Homecoming Pep Rally, President Hodge visited English Studies Professor Heather Urbanski's Foundations of Professional Writing course for a Q&A with students. As President Hodge holds a Ph.D. in Rhetoric, Master's degrees in English and Women's Studies, she is uniquely qualified to address students questions and share how she and her executive cabinet handle communications at the university.