The power of the pen was on full display yesterday afternoon!
Our Fitchburg State University English Studies Department hosted the annual High School & Creative Writing Awards in a packed Presidents Hall. Students from Fitchburg High School,Leominster High School, North Middlesex Regional High School, and Oakmont Regional High School were asked for entries. From Fitchburg State University President Hodge on the vital role of storytelling, to moving readings by our first-place winners, it was a true celebration of the next generation of writers.

Executive Director of Athletics & Recreation Matthew Burke, presided over the Fitchburg State University Chapter of Chi Alpha Sigma's annual National Collegiate Athlete Honor Society (NCAHS) induction ceremony this afternoon in Presidents Hall. After welcoming remarks from  President Donna Hodge   student-athletes representing all of our 17 teams were recognized for their academic achievements.

At last week's  Board of Trustees meeting in the Hammond Hall Main Lounge Fitchburg State University Mathematics Department  Professors Peter Staab  and Fernando Diaz Morera, along with students Charlie Stevenson and Rohanji (Anji) Novas, presented their research from the Joint Mathematics Meetings in Washington, D.C. Charlie is a veteran, a father, and an IT professional who came back to school and found his path in mathematics. He graduates this May and is now looking at PhD programs. Anji is a first-generation student from the Dominican Republic studying computer science and math. She’s already thinking about her next national conference. These lunch sessions give our Board of Trustees a chance to see the amazing scholarly work of our students.

Last Friday afternoon, President Hodge joined herFitchburg State Universitycabinet, Freddy Falcon, faculty, staff, alumni, trustees, and more than 50 of our students for an afternoon and early evening on the mountain, taking full advantage of some of the final hours of winter at Wachusett Mountain. For many of our students, it was their first time skiing. No cost. Lessons free! Gear included. A fully planned opportunity to try something new.

The transition from local high school student to Fitchburg State Falcon began last Tuesday.

President Donna Hodge welcomed faculty, staff and students at the International Women's Day Celebration: Global Voices, Shared Strength luncheon and panel discussion in the Falcon Pub. The event, hosted by the   Office of International Education (OIE) and International Advisory Committee, was a powerful conversation honoring the voices, leadership, and impact of international women in our community. The pane, featuring international women faculty, staff and students, shared their experiences and took questions about their experiences as a member of our international community. Panelists were: Dr. Ana Mesquita-Emlinger, Engineering Technology (Brazil), Dr. Hefei Qiu, Computer Science (China), Dr. Jescah Apamo-Gannon, School of Education (Kenya/UK), Nelly Wadsworth, International Education (Philippines), Dana Gomez, MBA (Colombia), and Lisa Lech, Communications Media (Germany).

Fitchburg State University and Applewild School have officially entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), formalizing a long-standing relationship between the two historic Fitchburg educational institutions. The agreement aims to expand educational access, support local workforce development, and enhance community engagement throughout North Central Massachusetts.

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.