Fitchburg State University is well-represented again in the upcoming cohort of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce’s Community Leadership Institute (CLI). Manager of Advancement Operations & Foundation Relations Karina Calvo of the Alumni and Development Department, Director of Student Belonging Krysta Lopez-Acevedo of the Center for Diversity and Inclusiveness, and Assistant Director Eliezer Rivera of the Admissions Department will start the nine-month program in October. “Each of these individuals brings talent, curiosity, and a strong commitment to service in their work at Fitchburg State," said Fitchburg State University President Donna Hodge. "I am delighted they have this opportunity to refine their leadership, build professional networks, and represent the university across the region, bringing what they learn back to enrich our campus community." Calvo, who was recently promoted to a management role within Fitchburg State’s Advancement office says she views the Community Leadership Institute as an opportunity to refine her leadership capabilities and exchange management strategies with peers. “I also aim to build meaningful relationships with regional civic and business leaders, deepening the university’s community integration so Fitchburg State serves not as an isolated institution, but as an accessible, collaborative anchor where true partnership happens,” she said. Lopez-Acevedo said that she’s grateful for the opportunity and it’s an honor to be nominated by the President’s Office. “I’m beyond grateful to our leadership for their unconditional support, dedication, and commitment to investing in me as a person, as a young professional, and in my future,” said Lopez. “I’m looking forward to the 9-month immersive CLI experience and proudly representing Fitchburg State University.” Driven by a lifelong connection to his hometown and a commitment to local progress, Rivera reflected on what joining this cohort truly means. “Growing up a Fitchburg kid, I always knew part of my purpose was to help shape, impact and become part of the change I wanted to see in my community at a young age,” said Rivera. “To not just want to be part of the change, but also inspire the next generation to do the same. Being a part of this program allows me to be part of the real tangible strategies, connect with impactful people in our very own community, and be part of a movement that can bring real change and improvement to this community. I am truly honored to be part of this cohort. No matter where I go, I have always represented Fitchburg and North Central Massachusetts with a badge of honor because I know there is something special about it. I truly believe there is no better time to be a part of this movement like the present.” The CLI offers a unique 9-month immersive experience designed to develop the next generation of leaders who will shape our region’s future. Through hands-on learning, exclusive access to regional leaders, and collaborative community projects, CLI participants gain the skills, connections, and insights needed to lead effectively in today’s technology and knowledge-driven economy. The CLI program runs from October to June each year, featuring day-long sessions each month that cover personal leadership development (October), non-profit governance (November), education (December), media & crisis communications (January), healthcare, law & justice (February), arts & culture (March), legislation (April), manufacturing & economic development (May), and debrief & commencement (June). Last year, Associate Director for Internship Coordination and Employer Relations Susan Beddes of the university’s Career Services and Advising Center and Director for Care and Case Management Joe Flanagan completed the program.

Fitchburg State University President Dr. Donna Hodge has been selected as one of Worcester Business Journal’s (WBJ) 2026 Outstanding Women in Business honorees. The annual awards program celebrates strong, talented, and remarkable women executives and business leaders who are making a profound mark on the Central Massachusetts economy and community. The awards will be officially presented at the 2026 Outstanding Women in Business Luncheon Ceremony on Wednesday, Oct. 28 at the Hogan Campus Center at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester. "President Hodge exemplifies the type of visionary, community-minded leadership that moves an institution and a region forward,” said Fitchburg State University Chair of the Board of Trustees Dr. Michael Fiorentino Jr. “The Board of Trustees is thrilled to celebrate this honor with her, and we look forward to continuing our work together as Fitchburg State reaches new heights of academic excellence and economic impact.” Hodge, who became the 12th president —and first female leader —of Fitchburg State in 2024, is being recognized for her visionary leadership, disciplined financial stewardship, and deep commitment to weaving the university into the civic, economic, and cultural fabric of North Central Massachusetts. "I'm honored to be recognized alongside women whose leadership is shaping Central Massachusetts," said Hodge. "Leading a public university requires us to be disciplined with our resources and ambitious about what we can make possible. At Fitchburg State, that means building programs that respond to regional needs, strengthening partnerships with employers and our community, and making sure more students can see a future for themselves here. I'm grateful to the colleagues and partners who share that work with me." Under Hodge’s leadership, Fitchburg State has experienced a resurgence, reversing a decade-long enrollment decline with an incoming class larger than the previous year. Central to this success is the "Fitchburg Promise," a groundbreaking direct-admissions and tuition-free agreement established with five local high schools in Fitchburg to remove barriers to higher education for Fitchburg residents. "I'm delighted that Dr. Hodge has earned this meaningful and well-deserved recognition from the Worcester Business Journal for her continued success advancing the vital mission of Fitchburg State University,” said Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees Eric Gregoire. “Donna's leadership has cultivated a renewed commitment to serving the students of North Central Massachusetts and beyond, while ensuring a vibrant campus culture where all students can thrive. Her vision for the possibility of Fitchburg State demonstrates why she is an outstanding honoree for this award." Hodge has also spearheaded transformative economic development initiatives in downtown Fitchburg, including the revitalization of the historic Theater Block through an alliance with GFI Partners to create mixed-use housing and retail space. Additional key initiatives during her tenure include: Formalizing strategic partnerships with the Applewild School, Fitchburg Public Schools, Workers Credit Union, and the Fitchburg Art Museum. More than doubling the number of military and veteran students and families served by the university. Launching two new varsity sports programs — women’s ice hockey and men’s lacrosse. Establishing the Presidential Ambassadors program to foster leadership pipelines for undergraduate students. Beyond campus, Hodge serves on the boards of the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts, the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, the Fitchburg Art Museum, and the Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts. Nationally, she contributes to the Presidents for Latino Student Success Network, the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge’s 2026 Presidents’ Council, and the American Association of State Colleges and Universities’ (AASCU) Committee on International Education. To learn more about Dr. Hodge and her fellow honorees, visit the Worcester Business Journal. For more information about the event or to purchase tickets, visit wbjournal.com/event/women-in-business/.

Fitchburg State University Police Chief Michael J. Cloutier will receive the Gov. Paul Cellucci Award for Leadership and Mentoring in State Government this fall. The honor will be bestowed as part of Gov. Maura Healey’s 2026 Performance Recognition Program awards that will be presented at the State House. Awardees are nominated by their peers, reviewed by an independent cross-secretariat committee, and approved by the Governor’s Office. Chief Cloutier joined the Fitchburg State campus in 2014 as Deputy Chief of University Police, and was promoted to Chief of Police in 2016. Fitchburg State President Dr. Donna Hodge expanded Cloutier’s duties and named him Executive in Charge of University Operations in February 2025. In his expanded role, he oversees University Police and manages all campus safety and training initiatives, as well as managing the university’s vehicle fleet. "Michael Cloutier leads with sound judgment, compassion, and a deep commitment to public service," said President Hodge. "At Fitchburg State University, that commitment extends well beyond keeping our campus safe. He helps officers and colleagues grow into leaders who understand that earning trust, treating people fairly, and serving their community are central to the work. I'm proud to see the Commonwealth recognize the example he sets and the leadership he inspires in others." Michael Cloutier brings sound judgment and a trusted perspective to university leadership. He works closely with the Office of the General Counsel, Personnel Services, and Title IX to address complex issues affecting the campus community. Across the teams he leads, he models fairness, earns trust, and supports the professional growth of employees, strengthening a culture of shared responsibility and public service. “Chief Michael Cloutier is a transformative leader, who was called to be peacekeeper,” said Fitchburg State Vice President for Human Resources and General Counsel Stacey Luster. “Michael has built a culture of community policing and professional collaboration, based upon mutual respect and a genuine love for humans, regardless of age, race, gender or position.” He also oversees a diverse group of university employees, fostering a culture of public service that is based upon shared values of fairness, quiet confidence, genuine friendships and trust. Cloutier’s legacy of service at Fitchburg State includes the development of the university’s groundbreaking police academy program, in partnership with the Massachusetts Municipal Police Training Committee. This program integrates a full municipal police academy into a five-year concurrent degree program. As the Sponsoring Chief, Cloutier is helping to shape the next generation of law enforcement through a model that emphasizes community-focused policing, with nearly all of the recruits from the FSU Police Academy receiving job offers before graduation. His impact extends beyond the campus. Following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Cloutier wrote a poem, “If You Could See” to express his hope for people to see things through different lenses, to improve police and community relations. The poem gained widespread attention online, leading to Chief Clouter and his poem being featured on CNN. “The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is better because of Chief Michael Cloutier, especially Fitchburg State University and the hundreds of Police Officers throughout the Commonwealth who have benefitted from his mentoring,” President Hodge said.

Longtime Fitchburg State University Professor of Exercise Science Jeff Godin inspired thousands of athletes with his “Building Better Humans” mantra. Godin, 56, passed away after a courageous fight with pancreatic cancer on June 22, 2024, but the Fenway Spartan Stadion Event Weekend race on November 7-8 will honor Godin’s legacy and his enduring impact. Proceeds from the race will support a scholarship fund in Godin’s name for Fitchburg State students pursuing exercise and sports science. Registration details include: $50 Student Registration (Must have a valid student ID) $100 Participant $200 'Warrior' Participant (Regular participant with an added donation) $500 'Spartan' Participant (Regular participant with an added donation) Once entrants have submitted payment, they will be emailed instructions to sign up for the race through Spartan, free of charge. The Fitchburg State campaign raises funds for a permanent memorial to Godin on campus, including a scholarship for a student in exercise and sports science (EXSS) and the naming of the weight room in Godin’s honor. “Jeff had an incredible impact on not only EXSS but also on student-athletes,” Fitchburg State Athletic Director Matt Burke said. “He played a major role in the design and equipment in the Landry Arena weight room, and it would be incredibly fitting to name the space for him. All of the teams that trained under his guidance were better off for it, and the athletes from those programs miss him tremendously. He had a great energy and spirit for Fitchburg State, our student-athletes, and especially our ice hockey program.” “The loss of Jeff will be felt in the Exercise Department for years to come,” said Fitchburg State Exercise and Sports Science Associate Professor Lindsay Parisi. “He had this ability to make connections with people and inspire them to be better versions of themselves. Knowing that we can impact future students' ability to come to Fitchburg State through a scholarship, and to name the space that was his second home after him, will help our department in grieving that loss through keeping Jeff's spirit ingrained in the university.” Godin, who was admired for his love of teaching, coaching and his students, was also the founding father of the Spartan SGX Certification program. He certified a countless number of coaches from across the world to coach athletes using his SGX program with a slogan of, “Building Better Humans.” “I struggle everyday and miss him terribly,” said Godin’s wife, Tammy. “He was my best friend and the love of my life. It is heartwarming to know the impact he made on many and the legacy he has left behind.” The Stadion, held at historic Fenway Park in Boston, is a 5K obstacle course where competitors will climb stairs, scale walls, conquer monkey bars, and aim true with the spear throw — all at race pace. No mud. No mountain. Just pure grit under the lights.

Fitchburg State University President Donna Hodge officially announced the 2026-2027 Presidential Ambassadors during the State of the University Address inside Weston Auditorium on Sept. 2. The Presidential Ambassadors embody the momentum and mission of Fitchburg State. They take the lessons learned in the classroom and bring them to life through service, leadership, and innovation. Their work reminds everyone that education is not only about personal achievement, but also about building stronger communities and opening doors for those who will follow. “What makes this program truly extraordinary, though, are the students themselves,” Hodge said. “They bring a remarkable diversity of backgrounds and experiences. Some are first-generation college students, some are athletes, some are artists, some are researchers, and some are advocates.Together, they reflect the full promise of this university. It is their diversity of thought, their creativity, and their willingness to lead that make this program not only inspiring, but transformative.” In the year ahead, Hodge said, the students will elevate their voices even further. “These students will represent Fitchburg State at important university and community events, but their role is larger than that,” said Hodge. “They bring student perspectives directly into the life of the presidency and help us tell the story of this university through their own experiences, talents, and leadership.” This year’s returning Ambassadors are: Veronica Barton, PJ Norton, Alexis Sandmann, Reshawn Stewart, Aidan Thompson and Kole Broderick. Nine new Ambassadors were announced and received their eye-catching green blazers. The green blazer represents their duty to represent the university with poise and honor, and to serve it with integrity. “All of you represent our highest values, and we will look to you to embody the community we build together, every day,” said Dr. Christine Dee, Professor of History and Special Assistant to the President, who will supervise the ambassadors this year. “The work begins now.” The new Presidential Ambassadors for 2026-2027: Dehkontee Cooper is an Engineering Technology major with a concentration in Architecture. She is a first-generation Liberian American college student. A mature and empathetic leader, Cooper is a much-valued sprinter for the track & field team. She serves as Team Leader. She is a member of the Honors Program. She serves as an event coordinator for the African Student Association and a member of the First Love Bible Study group on campus. Students, faculty and coaches alike praise her for her work ethic in the classroom, on the track and in the community. She plans to pursue a master’s degree in Architectural Engineering and become a Registered Architect to help make housing sustainable and affordable. Cammie Crawford is a Political Science major with a concentration in American Government and a minor in History. She is a member of both the Honors Program and the award-winning Moot Court team. Crawford serves as the secretary of the Student Government Association where she is a voice for commuter students’ interests. Her commitment to social justice spurred her to serve as the vice president of the university’s chapter of It’s On Us, a national organization to prevent sexual assault. As a “careful listener,” Crawford emphasizes content and quality in her academics and extracurricular activities. She plans to attend law school and become a practicing attorney. Hannah Dennison transferred to Fitchburg State. She is an English Studies major with a minor in Middle and Secondary Education to achieve licensure to teach in Massachusetts public schools. Dennison is active in the Student Education Association of Massachusetts and serves as an ambassador for the English Studies department. She is committed to making education accessible and meaningful to students and creating an environment where students feel comfortable expressing themselves. Dennison’s enthusiasm for learning has been termed "infectious," “authentic” and “vibrant.” The English Studies department awarded her the Hines Memorial Scholarship in Renaissance Studies in recognition of her commitment and love of the field. Mariah Garcia is an Interdisciplinary Studies: Pre-Law major with minors in Biology and Political Science. Garcia is committed to interdisciplinary inquiry, blending her education in science, law, and politics. She is a member of the nationally-renowned Moot Court team. Garcia is a first-generation college student, and is part of the TRIO program on campus. She aspires to be a role model for her younger siblings, highlighting their pathway to college. Whether working as an animal care technician, raising awareness of sexual violence through It’s on Us or building community through crafting, Garcia brings a commitment to justice and belonging on campus. Elizabeth “Liz” Korj, is a Game Design major with a minor in Studio Art. She is a member of the Honors Program. Korj is an Orientation Leader, Lead Residential Assistant, Upper Bound Math & Science Tutor, Residential Counselor, and a member of the Game Design Student Association (GDSA) and the Women+ STEM club. Korj is the first in her family to be born and raised in the United States. She is part of the TRIO program on campus, and is in the chorus. She has served with the Upward Bound Math and Science program since she started at Fitchburg State. Korj excels in the classroom and demonstrates her passion for art, game design and 3D modeling. As a first-generation American and college student, Korj shares her commitment to higher education and Fitchburg State with families during orientation programming. She plans to become a game design artist and pursue a master’s in fine arts. Stella Liebler is a Communications Media Graphic Design major with a minor in Digital Media Innovation. She is the captain of the women’s soccer team. Liebler was the lead designer for the Visions exhibition in 2026, creating all promotional materials and the design concepts. Liebler is a tutor in the Academic Coaching and Tutoring Center, supporting the Communications Media department. Her academic emphasis is on clear communication and creative vision with a deep commitment to learning and growth. Liebler serves as a “bridge between student athletes and Fitchburg State’s academic opportunities, understanding the unique pressures facing student athletes. She makes academic success accessible.” A talented artist, Liebler’s painting won awards. She brings thoughtful, creative and community-oriented leadership to the Presidential Ambassador program and uses her skills to convey the university’s mission. Liebler plans to become a creative director in product or brand design after Fitchburg State. Lillian Maxwell is an Environmental & Earth Science major, with minors in Geographic Science and Technology, Biology, and Theater. She transferred to Fitchburg State, bringing broad and diverse skills, including stone masonry. Maxwell served as a Digital Navigator, teaching digital literacy to seniors at the Armory Senior Center in Fitchburg. She is a residential assistant. Maxwell founded the Women+ STEM club, serving as its inaugural president and fostering inclusiveness and advancement across STEM fields. In the Summer of 2026, Maxwell served as a research fellow at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, building a climate model to study the isotopic variability of North American deglaciation 20,000 years ago. Upon graduation she will pursue a PhD in Antarctic ice core research post graduation. Tomas Polanco is an Exercise Sports Science major in the pre-Physician Assistant track. Polanco is a member of the Honors Program. He is a Certified Nursing Assistant and certified in dementia training. Polanco is a student-athlete on the football team and is working toward his EMT certification. A first-generation Dominican-American college student, Polanco brings a deep commitment to education and community. During the Summer of 2026, Polanco interned at the Forest Foundation, serving on a grant-writing team for a non-profit organization. He volunteers with Big Brother, Big Sister and is a sports coordinator for Lawrence Community Works. Leah Silverstein is a Communications Media Graphic Design and Photography major who has taken full advantage of the essential pathways by obtaining an associate’s degree at community college and transferring to Fitchburg State University. As a first-generation college student, Silverstein has embraced everything this campus offers. She is a model of self-advocacy and how to be fully engaged in her own education. She is committed to enhancing the student transfer experience and advocating for students with disabilities. Leading by example, Silverstein volunteered for campus initiatives like the Visions 2026 exhibit to connect with the university community. Silverstein promises to make Fitchburg State and the larger community more welcoming for people who learn differently and to raise the profile of neurodiversity. Leah is a model of how to succeed: seeking support when needed, building a network and a team, finding your people, and showing empathy toward others. “To the Ambassadors: wear those green coats proudly,” said Hodge. “You represent Fitchburg State very well, and I'm excited to work alongside you this year.”