Our Upward Bound Math & Science (UBMS) scholars kicked off their last day of the summer program with a special morning treat—a delicious Chartwells breakfast served by UBMS Director Nate Obin and their incredible program teachers in the Holmes Dining Common. A fun way to say thank you for all the hard work, curiosity, and energy these students brought to campus this summer. 

 Protecting, serving, and thriving right alongside our community!  Today is #PublicServiceDay, and we want to send a massive shoutout to the incredible officers and staff of the Fitchburg State University Police Department! Our campus police are so much more than a department—they are a deeply integral part of our daily university life. From keeping our campus secure to connecting with students, offering guidance, and always being ready to jump into campus activities (even if it means braving the mechanical bull at a campus event! ), they show up for our flock every single day with professionalism and pride. Thank you to our dedicated officers, dispatchers, and staff for your unwavering commitment to our safety, your mentorship, and your constant support of student life. 

Investing in community and professional development. Yesterday, our AFSCME members gathered for a dedicated Development Day—a fantastic opportunity for colleagues across campus to connect, network, and strengthen workplace relationships. While the day featured plenty of collaborative moments, the most popular highlights included a dedicated relaxation station and a live caricature artist to bring some lighthearted fun to the afternoon. At Fitchburg State University, we know our institution thrives because of the hard work and dedication of our staff. Thank you to our AFSCME members for all that you do to support our university community! 

The Fitchburg State University community recently gathered to honor and celebrate the incredible careers of two legendary coaches who have left an indelible mark on our athletic department. Join us in wishing a very happy and well-deserved retirement to Coach Jim Jellison and Coach Rick Terrio.

Investing in the people who invest so much in our students. 
Our faculty and librarians wear a lot of hats—teacher, advisor, mentor, and confidant. To help combat the overload that comes with these expanding roles, the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL)  recently hosted "Burnout-Proof Pedagogy." Led by Dr. Brielle Harbin from  Your Cooperative Colleague, this session gave our educators a chance to reset and learn how to implement the 3C Framework (Clear, Consistent, Caring). By setting healthy boundaries and encouraging students to build broader networks of support, our faculty can protect their own energy while continuing to provide an elite learning environment.

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.

Associate Vice President of   Capital Planning and Maintenance hosted an annual   Capital Planning and Maintenance Training Breakfast in the Hammond Main Lounge last week during Spring Break. Among other things, the event covered asbestos awareness, hazard communication, and bloodborne pathogens.

In addition to the Keynote Speaker and information sessions at yesterdays Campuswide Development Day, a Relaxation Lounge was available throughout the day. Community members got the opportunity to experience 15 minutes of complete relaxation in state of the art chairs. calm their mind and heal your body with a 16 aromatherapy scents oxygen bar. and relax with the chi machine.

With President Donna Hodge at the NCAA conference in Washington, DC, Vice President of Personnel Services and General Counsel Stacey Luster hosted our inaugural Campuswide Development Day. Although off-campus, President Hodge gave welcome remarks via video.