Fitchburg State University will launch the 2026-27 academic year with a celebration for students, faculty, staff and the wider community. University President Donna Hodge will present her third annual State of the University address on Wednesday, Sept. 2 at 10:30 a.m. on the main quadrangle. The celebration will include the presentation of faculty and staff awards, as President Hodge outlines her vision for her third year leading the institution. Following her address, which will focus on the theme of “possibility,” the campus will host a picnic on the quadrangle that is open to all. "Possibility is more than optimism. It's what becomes possible when an institution knows who it is, understands what its students need, and has the discipline to focus its energy where it can make the greatest difference," President Hodge said. "At Fitchburg State, we've spent the last two years strengthening our foundation, rebuilding trust, and making deliberate choices about our future. We begin this academic year ready to build on that work, with students at the center and a clear commitment to academic excellence, opportunity, and the communities we serve. I'm enormously proud of how far we've come, but I'm even more excited about what we can create together from here." The start-of-semester celebration will begin earlier that day when the university formally welcomes its incoming class of first-year and transfer students at a matriculation ceremony at 9 a.m. in Weston Auditorium. The ceremony will mark the official start of the academic journey for Fitchburg State’s new freshmen, transfer students and graduate students. The keynote speaker for the morning’s program will be hip-hop artist, educator, community activist and cultural architect Red Shaydez, a 2014 alumna of Fitchburg State. The award-winning artist has been featured on MTV, BET Jams, NPR Music and the Boston Globe. Additional dates of note for the coming semester: The majority of new residential students will move in Sunday, Aug. 30, starting at 9 a.m. from the Wallace Civic Center. The northbound lanes of North Street will be closed to non-university traffic between Pearl and Ross Streets from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on that date. The majority of returning residential students will move in starting Tuesday, Sept. 1. There may be brief road closures around campus between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. that day. Fall semester classes will start Thursday, Sept. 3. The Fitchburg State football team travels to Dean College on Saturday, Sept. 5 at noon to kick off the season. Their first home game will be at noon Saturday, Sept. 12 at Elliot Field. Rock the Block, where dozens of student clubs and organizations, along with campus offices, share information about extracurricular opportunities on and off campus, will be held on the main quadrangle and along Highland Avenue starting at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 8. The rain date is Thursday, Sept. 10. The 9th recruit officer course (ROC) of Fitchburg State’s groundbreaking police program will graduate at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 9 in Weston Auditorium, 353 North St. The five graduates, who completed their bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice in May and spent 17 weeks this summer in police academy training, will be certified as police officers ready to work in municipal departments in Massachusetts and neighboring states. Hispanic Heritage Month will be observed from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. There will be a series of entertaining and informative events throughout the month and will be posted to the university website at fitchburgstate.edu. The Class of 1976 will have its 50th reunion on Saturday, Sept. 19 from 1-3 p.m. in Hammond Hall’s Falcon Hub. The Gold Key Breakfast and reunion starts at 9:30 a.m. in Hammond Hall’s Main Lounge. For ticket information, contact the Alumni Office at 978-665-4555 or alumni@fitchburgstate.edu. Returning for the first time since 2019, the Fitchburg State University Golf Tournament is officially back on Monday, Sept. 28 at Oak Hill Country Club in Fitchburg to celebrate being together once again, while raising vital funds to empower Falcon Athletics. Proceeds from this year’s tournament will directly fund transformative athletic initiatives—including necessary facility upgrades, essential infrastructure remodeling, and enriched student-athlete experiences that give our teams the modern resources they need to excel both in competition and in the classroom. Those interested in playing or buying a foursome for this scramble can register online and others interested in making a direct donation to support athletics at Fitchburg State can also contribute through our tournament website. Homecoming 2026 events will be held on Thursday, Nov. 5 to Sunday, Nov. 8 and will include a pep rally at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5; a casino night and semi-formal dance at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6; and a carnival in the Ross Street parking lot from 4 to 10 p.m. Additional information on tickets will be posted to the Homecoming website. Athletic events scheduled for Homecoming Weekend include: women’s volleyball vs. Keene State (6 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 5 at the Recreation Center), women’s basketball vs. Regis (6 p.m., Friday, Nov. 6 at the Recreation Center), and football vs. Plymouth State (noon, Saturday, Nov. 7 at Elliot Field). The tailgate at the Wallace Civic Center Parking Lot runs from 10 a.m. to noon. Our fall Open House for prospective students will run from 8:30 a.m. to noon across campus on Saturday, Nov. 7.

Fitchburg State University Associate Vice President of Capital Planning and Maintenance Matt Lechter has been named to the Worcester Business Journal’s prestigious 40 Under Forty Class of 2026. The annual award recognizes young professionals in Central Massachusetts who demonstrate outstanding leadership, professional achievement, and a deep commitment to their communities. "Matt has an unusual ability to see the whole organization, from the condition of a residence hall or the reliability of a heating system to the larger questions of enrollment, affordability, and our responsibilities as a public university," said Fitchburg State University President Donna Hodge. "He brings tremendous range to his leadership, equally comfortable thinking about a multimillion-dollar capital project, the experience of a student living on our campus, or the University's role in the future of Fitchburg and North Central Massachusetts. That combination of strategic thinking, stewardship, and genuine care for people is rare. I'm enormously proud of Matt, proud of the team he leads, and I am delighted to see the Worcester Business Journal recognize what I see in his leadership every day." Lechter said that he’s incredibly honored to be recognized by the Worcester Business Journal, alongside so many talented young leaders in Central Mass. “This recognition is truly a reflection of the dedicated team I am privileged to lead every day at Fitchburg State University and the collective commitment of our campus community,” said Lechter. “I want to thank President Hodge for her belief in the work that we do, the trust she has placed in me, and the mentorship and support that has allowed me to grow both professionally and personally since joining Fitchburg State. Under her leadership, we have aligned our capital planning and campus operations to directly support student success and regional growth. President Hodge’s forward-thinking vision has empowered us to view our physical campus not simply as buildings and infrastructure, but as a vital foundation for innovation, community connection, and the future of public higher education. “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve Fitchburg State and to work alongside so many talented colleagues who are dedicated to creating a stronger campus experience for our students, faculty, staff, and the communities we serve,” said Lechter. At 38 years old, Lechter has quickly become an indispensable member of the university’s executive team. In just over a year, he transitioned from his role as Executive Director and Special Assistant to the President to a pivotal position on the President’s Cabinet. Currently, he manages the physical footprint and operational infrastructure of one of the region's primary public institutions. In his current role, Lechter oversees a massive physical portfolio that serves thousands of students, faculty, and staff. He directs a department of nearly 100 university employees and manages a highly-diverse array of critical institutional operations. His oversight includes everything from daily campus maintenance, groundskeeping, and custodial excellence to technical operations like the campus power plant, HVAC systems, and long-term capital planning. Lechter’s rapid ascent within the administration highlights his ability to align the university's physical resources with its broader institutional goals, specifically student enrollment and retention. Rather than viewing facilities management as a strictly behind-the-scenes operation, Lechter utilizes strategic capital planning to ensure that the campus environment remains attractive, modern, and highly competitive for prospective students. Lechter’s responsibilities extend well beyond the borders of the Fitchburg State campus. He plays an important role in the local and regional economy by managing the university's extensive real estate portfolio, including off-campus properties, commercial leases, and major auxiliary partnerships. Among his fiscal responsibilities is the strategic management of a $9 million auxiliary budget, which covers essential campus operations such as dining services and bookstore partnerships. By optimizing these services and modernizing student housing, Lechter helps ensure the financial sustainability of the university while contributing to the vitality of downtown Fitchburg. A well-maintained, modern campus ensures a steady influx of students who support local businesses and eventually enter the regional workforce. A key highlight of his tenure has been his collaborative work with the Massachusetts State College Building Authority (MSCBA). Together, they have worked on long-term initiatives aimed at student housing modernization and affordability. This partnership requires balancing complex public and private interests to keep higher education accessible and sustainable during a challenging economic landscape for regional universities. What distinguishes Lechter as an executive is his versatility and his unique career path. Before taking on the technical demands of capital planning and finance, he spent more than a decade working directly with students in residential life. He previously served as the Director of Residence Life at a local college, an experience that gave him a deep understanding of the human element of institutional success. This background heavily influences his current leadership style. Lechter pairs strict fiscal responsibility and operational agility with a commitment to inclusive excellence. His focus remains on building and preserving campus environments that are welcoming and supportive, ensuring that the next generation of Central Mass. leaders have the spaces they need to thrive. Lechter’s dedication to public higher education is also deeply personal. He is a double-graduate of a state university, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and a master’s degree in Public Administration. As a product of the Massachusetts State University system, he has dedicated his career to strengthening the anchor institutions that drive the Commonwealth forward. By balancing the complex physical, fiscal, and human components of Fitchburg State University, Lechter has solidified his place as a cornerstone of the Fitchburg community and a clear choice for the 40 Under Forty distinction.

Fitchburg State University’s Human Services baccalaureate program has been officially reaccredited by the Council for Standards in Human Service Education (CSHSE) through July 2031. First accredited in 1981, Fitchburg State’s Human Services program holds the distinction of being the longest-running continuously accredited human services program in New England, as well as one of the longest-standing accredited programs in the nation. The 2026 decision marks 45 consecutive years of accredited excellence as the program enters its 46th year. “Forty-six years is a remarkable record and a real point of pride for Fitchburg State and our Human Services program,” said Fitchburg State University President Donna Hodge. “I am grateful for the work of the team in Human Services and Academic Affairs for demonstrating the rigor and quality of our program.” "Reaccreditation isn't just a benchmark; it is proof of our faculty's passionate investment in our students and our region," said Provost and Acting Vice President for Academic Affairs Franca Barricelli. "Through their thoughtful curriculum design and mentorship, our Human Services department continues to set the standard for community-engaged higher education." Following an extensive review process and self-study, the CSHSE Board commended the program for numerous strengths, highlighting its robust curriculum in intercultural fluency, its highly qualified faculty, and its extensive field internship requirements – where students complete up to 450 hours of hands-on field experience under master's-level supervisors. Reviewers also noted the university's strong resource support for individuals with disabilities. “For nearly a half-century, our faculty, students, and graduates have been improving the lives of countless individuals and families in Central Massachusetts and beyond,” said Professor and Behavioral Sciences Department Chair Richard Wiebe. “We are more than proud of them, and look forward to the next 45 years of their compassionate and dedicated service." The CSHSE accreditation ensures that Fitchburg State's Human Services curriculum meets rigorous national standards for quality, professional preparation, and field education, preparing graduates for impactful careers in social services, advocacy, community organization, and mental health support. For more information about the Human Services program at Fitchburg State University, please visit Fitchburg State Human Services. About Fitchburg State University Fitchburg State University is a public institution dedicated to integrating high-quality professional programs with strong liberal arts and sciences studies. Founded in 1894, the university now has more than 30 undergraduate programs and 22 master's degree programs, and 6,000 full and part-time students.

The Fitchburg State University Board of Trustees affirmed the university's progress and direction Wednesday, pointing to stronger enrollment, renewed campus culture, expanded support for students, deeper community connections, and a greater organizational focus as the institution enters the third year of President Donna Hodge's leadership. The discussion came during the Board's annual evaluation of the president, which took place during its first meeting of the 2026-27 academic year and was held at the Fay Club in downtown Fitchburg. Trustees reflected on Hodge's leadership during the past year as well as the broader changes they've seen across the university since she took office in July 2024. "What we've seen over the past two years is clear advancement across Fitchburg State," said Board Chairman Dr. Michael Fiorentino Jr. "We're seeing stronger teamwork and collaboration, continued attention to affordability and student success, and a university that's increasingly connected to its community and confident in its direction. The Board recognizes President Hodge's leadership in building a strong team, confronting difficult challenges, and creating the conditions for this work to move forward." Trustees cited progress across a range of areas, including enrollment, student experience, organizational culture, academic and operational leadership, and the university's engagement with Fitchburg and the broader North Central Massachusetts region. Among the initiatives highlighted was the Fitchburg Promise, which guarantees tuition and fees for qualifying Fitchburg students attending one of the city's five high schools. Trustees also pointed to investments in student supports, military and veteran learners, campus housing and residential life, and efforts to strengthen the university's leadership and operations. Board members repeatedly emphasized the increasingly collaborative culture across the university, crediting Hodge and her leadership team with strengthening communication, rebuilding trust, and maintaining a consistent focus on students. Hodge said the Board's affirmation reflects work taking place across the entire university. "I'm grateful for the Board's confidence, but what they're affirming is the work of an entire university community," Hodge said. "Our faculty, librarians, staff, students, leadership team, trustees, alumni, and community partners have all helped move Fitchburg State forward. We haven't solved every challenge before us, but we're more focused, more disciplined, more connected to our region, and increasingly more confident about what we can become." Hodge has described the work of her presidency through a progression of stabilizing, healing, and ultimately transforming the institution. In remarks to trustees Wednesday, she reflected on the university's movement from service and stabilization in her first year to greater momentum in the second. "My first year was grounded in service. My second year was about building momentum," Hodge said. "As we enter year three, I find myself thinking more and more about possibility. That means refusing to assume that the current condition of something has to determine its future. We've seen what can happen when a university community puts its shoulder behind something together, and I believe there's much more ahead for Fitchburg State." Trustees pointed to the reopening of Herlihy Hall as one example of that collective work. The residence hall had been taken offline before Hodge's arrival and was reactivated during her first year through collaboration across multiple university divisions, adding residential capacity and helping restore vitality to campus. The university has also advanced a long-planned redevelopment of the downtown Theater Block through a public-private partnership with GFI Partners. The project will transform the site into mixed-use market-rate housing and retail space, while allowing the university to focus its resources and expertise on its core academic mission. Hodge credited those efforts and others to a leadership model grounded in strong teams and shared responsibility. "No piece of this university can flourish if we're not thinking about the whole," Hodge said. "I'm extraordinarily proud of the people leading this institution. They bring expertise, judgment, and commitment to this work every day, and they've had a hand in every measure of progress we're seeing." Fiorentino said the Board remains mindful of the significant pressures facing public higher education and the importance of sustaining that focus. "We've come a long way, and it's encouraging to see where Fitchburg State is today," Fiorentino said. "There are real challenges ahead for higher education, but this university is approaching them from a stronger position. Our responsibility is to stay focused on what's most important: our students, the quality of their education, and the communities we serve." The Board also elected its officers for the coming year Wednesday. Fiorentino was re-elected chair, Trustee Eric Gregoire was elected vice chair, and Trustee David Tiernan was re-elected board clerk.

Registration opens Tuesday, Aug. 11 for Fitchburg State University’s Adult Learning in the Fitchburg Area ( ALFA) fall courses, with offerings that will include an introduction to podcasting, botanical illustration using watercolor, an exploration of musical theater, a review of the role of recent Supreme Court cases, a birding class and rock walk in North Central Massachusetts. There are more courses available, including a look at the impact of economic inequality, the history of Mars exploration, cinematic portrayals of fascism and resistance, and an introduction to ukulele. There are dozens of classes on the calendar, with the full program viewable online at fitchburgstate.edu/alfa. Most of the classes are taught at the McKay Complex at 67 Rindge Road on the Fitchburg State campus, while others are offered online or at community sites. Registration begins Tuesday, Aug. 11 at marketplace.fitchburgstate.edu/ALFA. ALFA is a lifelong learning program that has served adult learners in Fitchburg and the surrounding communities for more than 20 years. The program provides opportunities for local residents with similar interests to meet in an informal setting and pursue learning for enrichment and personal growth. ALFA is sponsored by the School of Graduate, Online, and Continuing Education at Fitchburg State. Participants are encouraged to provide input and recommendations. Classes are taught by community members and full-time Fitchburg State faculty. Most courses are $45 (and free for students over age 90). A limited number of scholarships are available. See the complete course listing and register online at marketplace.fitchburgstate.edu/alfa. ALFA is always on the lookout for new instructors and new subject matter to share with its participants. Anyone with a specialty that they think others would be interested in should contact the ALFA Office at alfa@fitchburgstate.edu for details about becoming an ALFA instructor. The ALFA office is available Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Any questions call 978-665-3706, or email at alfa@fitchburgstate.edu.