This evening, the Fitchburg State University community held its Annual Lighting of the Campus with a new twist this year. Prior to the lighting, faculty, staff, and students gathered at Alumni Plaza near Thompson Hall for refreshments, games, conversation, and more. A procession then made it's way down Highland Ave. to the Highland  Plaza for the Annual Lighting of the Campus. After a welcome from Associate Director of Student Development & Commuter and Volunteer Affairs Shane Franzen, and remarks from Student Government Association (SGA) President Michael Burns and  President Hodge, the two led the crowd in a countdown to the lighting of the campus.

Yesterday afternoon, the campus community joined our active military and veteran students for a moment to acknowledge the service given by so many men and women of the armed forces. At the event, alumnus Theodore "Ted" Thompson Jr. '66, a member of the Esoteric Society was honored, 1st Lt. Thompson was killed in action in 1968 during his service in Vietnam.

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.

President Hodge and members of the university cabinet delivered lunches to teachers and staff at McKay Elementary School, located on the Fitchburg State campus, on a recent early release day for pupils. The visit was part of continuing discussions to strengthen ties between the campus and the school.

President Donna Hodge and her Cabinet, AKA "The Donut Squad", loaded up the Donut Mobile and descended on campus to hand out doughnuts and connect with students, faculty and staff on this, the first day of class for the fall semester.

Before Student Orientation, University President Dr. Donna Hodge welcomed the newest Falcons this morning in the Holmes Dining Commons. Orientation Leaders unveiled their own welcome video and began orientation.

It was a gorgeous morning on the Fitchburg State University quad for a breakfast. Capital Planning and Maintenance Maintainer staff members were invited to join President Hodge for an appreciation breakfast. This gave President Hodge the opportunity for her to connect with, and thank them for all their work before the start of the new semester. President Hodge will also be hosting a dinner this evening for those who work second shift. 

Yesterday, President Donna Hodge, in collaboration with Human Resources, hosted a BBQ luncheon for the university's AFSCME employees on the quad. This was a great opportunity for campus colleagues to enjoy some social time with one another before the start of the fall semester.

Outgoing Presidents Richard Lapidus, and incoming President Donna Hodge met with Fitchburg Mayor Sam Squailia and Leomisnter Mayor Dean Mazzarella in an effort to ensure open communications and continued collaboration between the university and our local municipalities amid this change in university leadership.