Fitchburg State University welcomes alumni, students, families and friends to campus for Homecoming 2026, running from Thursday, Nov. 5 to Sunday, Nov. 8. The weekend celebration will feature a wide array of events, including athletic contests, the Homecoming Carnival, and an Admissions Open House for prospective students and their families. President Donna Hodge cherishes the annual Homecoming celebration, which is one of the most meaningful traditions at the university. “Every year, Homecoming highlights the true strength of Fitchburg State: our people,” said Hodge. “Seeing generations of Falcons return to campus reminds us that this isn't just a place where degrees are earned—it’s a lifelong home. The energy, pride, and connection we share during this weekend embody the very best of who we are.” Homecoming festivities kick off on Thursday, Nov. 5 with a campus pep rally at 3:30 p.m. on the Quad and women’s volleyball vs. Keene State at 6 p.m. in the Recreation Center, 130 North St. On Friday, Nov. 6, women’s basketball hosts Regis at 6 p.m. in the Recreation Center. The university will also host a Fall Open House on Saturday, Nov. 7 from 8:30 a.m. to noon, giving prospective students and families the chance to tour the campus, meet faculty, coaches, and staff, and experience Fitchburg State’s vibrant community in action. Register for Open House. The Homecoming Tailgate runs from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday in the Wallace Civic Center (WCC) parking lot, followed by football vs. Plymouth State at noon at Elliot Field and men’s ice hockey vs. UMass Boston at 4 p.m. at the WCC. Reserve tickets in advance for football and ice hockey through PurplePass. “Homecoming weekend brings an energy to campus unlike anything else,” said Fitchburg State Executive Director-Chief Athletics and Recreation Officer Matt Burke. “Our student-athletes feed directly off the noise and passion of the crowd, and we need every single Falcon fan in those seats. Let’s create an unforgettable home-field advantage this weekend. Come back to campus, bring the noise, and pack the stands for all our teams.” The Carnival, in the Ross Lot, runs from 4-10 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets for the carnival are free for Fitchburg State students and $10 for the general public. Tickets may be purchased online through PurplePass or by visiting fitchburgstate.edu/homecoming. Homecoming Weekend will conclude with the induction ceremony for Fitchburg State’s Athletic Hall of Fame. Full schedule and registration details are available at fitchburgstate.edu/homecoming.

Fitchburg State University music faculty presents its annual faculty recital on Tuesday, Oct. 27, at 4 p.m. in the Western Auditorium, 353 North Street. University music faculty members include: Jonathan Harvey, Justin Casinghino, Jane Fiske, Alanna Rantala, and Amy McGlothlin. “The recital will feature Justin Casinghino's composition, ‘Tangled’ – a duet for piano and live signal processing which will manipulate the live piano sounds into surround sound speakers throughout the auditorium,” said McGlothlin. This recital is free and open to the public. To learn more about Fitchburg State’s instrumental and choral groups, visit fitchburgstate.edu/music.

Fitchburg State University’s Center for Italian Culture invites the campus community and the general public to celebrate Italian American Heritage Month with an unforgettable evening of music and culinary traditions on Saturday, Oct. 24, in the Falcon Pub in Hammond Hall, 160 Pearl St. Doors open at 5 p.m. with the performance beginning at 7 p.m. The special celebration features smooth-voiced entertainer Jimmy Mazz, a seasoned performer with more than 40 years of experience headlining at premier venues across the country, including the Superstar Theater in Atlantic City. Mazz will bring his dynamic stage presence to campus for a live musical tribute highlighting iconic classics made famous by beloved Italian American artists across generations. Tickets for the event are $50 per person, which includes full access to the performance and catering. Due to venue capacity, seating is strictly limited, and advance registration is strongly encouraged. Guests can reserve their seats today through the university’s online payment portal. For more information go to fitchburgstate.edu/cic In addition to live entertainment, guests will enjoy a curated menu of traditional cicchetti — authentic Italian-style appetizers — specially catered by Fitchburg State’s Dining Services. The event is open to students, faculty, staff, alumni, and local community members. A variety of fine Italian wines and beers will be available for purchase at the Falcon Pub bar for attendees who are 21 and older with valid identification.

The Music Mega-Mix, Fitchburg State University’s showcase of bite-sized performances by its Community Orchestra, Concert Band, Chamber Choir, Concert Choir, Falcon Drumline and Modern Jazz Ensemble will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20 in Weston Auditorium, 353 North St. Admission is free and open to the public. The ensembles consist of students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members. The Community Orchestra is conducted by Professor Hildur Schilling. Associate Professor Jonathan Harvey conducts the Chamber Choir and Concert Choir, and the Concert Band and Modern Band are conducted by Associate Professor Amy McGlothlin. Learn more about the university's music offerings at fitchburgstate.edu/music.

Fitchburg State University will launch a new bachelor’s degree in finance in 2027, combining rigorous financial and economic theory with hands-on, project-based learning. The new major was approved Tuesday, Sept. 29 by the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education. The new program will prepare graduates for high-earning roles across the financial sector, including market analysis, corporate finance, and financial advising. "This is the kind of academic change that makes me excited about Fitchburg State's future," said University President Donna Hodge. "North Central Massachusetts needs a higher education ecosystem that connects local students to affordable degrees and employers to the talent they need. A finance major strengthens that connection. Our economics and business faculty have built a rigorous, applied program on the courses and expertise already here, making wise use of our resources while giving students a degree with clear value in the Massachusetts economy. I'm grateful to Acting Provost Franca Barricelli, the faculty who developed this major, and the Board of Higher Education for its support. Their work makes Fitchburg State a stronger choice for students and a more responsive partner to our region." The new program, approved by the university’s Board of Trustees earlier this year, will be housed in the university’s Economics, History and Political Science Department, and was developed by faculty in that department in collaboration with the Business Administration Department. Acting Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Franca Barricelli said the program’s interdisciplinary foundation will be one of its strengths. "Modern finance demands more than technical fluency — it requires an understanding of how economic policies, political changes, and cultural shifts deeply influence global markets and financial decisions,” she said. “Our curriculum equips students to integrate quantitative thinking with these broader insights, empowering them to act thoughtfully in a rapidly evolving global economy." The 42-credit major will be composed of courses offered in the university’s economics and business programs, along with new courses in investment analysis, financial statement analysis, and corporate finance. The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the financial sector will create over 900,000 jobs per year over the next 10-year period, exceeding average industry growth in the U.S. Jobs in the finance sector also tend to be well paid, with the average finance major earning $60,000 with a bachelor's degree directly out of college, according to Glassdoor. “Through hands-on coursework utilizing analysis, experiential learning, and other active learning strategies, our students gain the exact technical and critical-thinking skills demanded by employers,” said Professor Christa Marr of the Economics, History and Political Science Department, and one of the designers of the new major. “Whether they aspire to work in corporate finance, investment analysis, or risk assessment, students will graduate fully prepared to excel from day one.” Professor Andrew Chan of the Business Administration Department said students will benefit from the program’s commitment to support and community connection. “From personalized faculty advising and first-year retention workshops to strategic community partnerships and internships with regional financial institutions, we want every student to feel a true sense of belonging and see a clear, attainable pathway to a successful professional future,” he said. Learn more about the new bachelor’s degree in finance.