There’s now a face to the new men’s varsity lacrosse program at Fitchburg State University. Fitchburg State Executive Director of Athletics & Recreation Matt Burke made it official by announcing former local lacrosse star Thomas Moorshead as the new full-time men’s lacrosse coach. Moorshead, who was an all-star lacrosse player at Oakmont Regional High School in Ashburnham, played collegiately at UConn. He eventually traded in his lax stick for a coaching clipboard, and had coaching stints at St. Bernard’s High School, Nashoba Regional High School and as the head coach at The Winchendon School for four years. Most recently, Moorshead served as an assistant coach at Division 2 Franklin Pierce University in the spring. “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Thomas Moorshead to lead our new men’s varsity lacrosse program,” said Burke. “Thomas’s deep roots in the local lacrosse community, combined with his stellar playing background and his coaching experience at the collegiate level, make him the perfect fit to build this program from the ground up. His passion, energy, and vision align perfectly with our department's commitment to student-athlete excellence. We are ready for this exciting new era, and we can’t wait to see Thomas hit the ground running.” Along with his coaching duties, Moorshead will also work as the athletics recruiting coordinator. Moorshead officially starts on July 6. “I couldn’t be more excited and I know it’s going to be stage-building,” said Moorshead, a 2012 Oakmont Regional graduate. “You can see what the university is trying to do to make this sport a success here. There’s no doubt in my mind that it’s going to be incredible in the short term and the long term. I can’t wait to start.” Moorshead is ready to put his stamp on the first-year varsity program. The Falcons are set to debut in the spring of 2027. “If you want to play here, I just care that you want to come here and work hard,” said Moorshead. “I can always take a hard-working player and make them great. You can’t always take a great player and make them hard-working. Those things show in the twilight minutes when that kid is running after a ground ball. The one who is talented but doesn’t want to work hard already gives up, and the other guy jumps like a maniac and makes the right play at the right time. Anyone who is willing to work hard, I can coach them up.” In April, Fitchburg State announced the expansion of its intercollegiate sports portfolio with the addition of varsity men’s lacrosse. This move brings the university’s total varsity offerings to 19 programs, further solidifying the Falcons' commitment to student-athlete growth and campus engagement. The Board of Trustees, chaired by Dr. Michael Fiorentino Jr., unanimously approved the creation of the team in April, paving the way to begin competitive play in the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC). The launch of a men’s varsity lacrosse program gives aspiring student-athletes a new opportunity to compete at the NCAA level and marks a significant and continued commitment to growing athletics on campus. Men’s collegiate lacrosse has solidified its status as a regional powerhouse, with an impressive high-school-to-NCAA advancement rate of nearly 15% fueling the sport's expansion. This growth is most prominent at the Division III level, where the high density of New England programs provides a robust competitive landscape and serves as a primary driver for student-athlete recruitment. Fitchburg State supported a club lacrosse team that competed in the Continental Lacrosse Conference. Fitchburg State added its 18th varsity sport with the addition of varsity women’s ice hockey, which is set to hit the ice for the 2027–2028 season. Rebecca Brown was named the first head coach of the newly established women’s varsity ice hockey program.

Fitchburg State University Chief Financial Officer Travis J. Chambers and 35 other higher education leaders are gathering in Washington, D.C., to begin the Executive Leadership Academy (ELA), a distinguished program designed to prepare experienced administrators for senior executive roles across colleges and universities. “Travis’s selection to the Executive Leadership Academy is well deserved,” said Fitchburg State University President Donna Hodge. “I’ve seen firsthand how transformative AASCU’s leadership development programs can be, both for individual leaders and for the institutions they serve. Travis brings tremendous talent, thoughtfulness, and commitment to his work at Fitchburg State, and I know he’ll make the most of this opportunity. The knowledge, relationships, and perspective he gains through this experience will benefit not only his own leadership journey, but our entire university community.” ELA is offered through a collaborative partnership among the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC), and the American Academic Leadership Institute (AALI). Together, these organizations provide participants with a comprehensive experience that emphasizes leadership development, mentorship, and professional networking. The program opens with the first of two in-person seminars on June 15–16, bringing cohort members together for an intensive learning experience led by current and former presidents, as well as subject matter experts, addressing key issues shaping higher education today. “At a time of significant change across the higher education landscape, programs like ELA play a critical role in supporting and preparing the next generation of institutional leaders,” said Charles L. Welch, AASCU’s president and CEO. “Through our partnership, we are proud to invest in leaders who are deeply committed to their campuses and communities.” Following a competitive selection process, 36 higher education professionals have been chosen for this year’s cohort. Representing a broad cross-section of institutions, participants include senior leaders Since its inception in 2009, ELA has cultivated a strong pipeline of executives, with many alumni advancing to top leadership positions nationwide. The program equips these leaders with the strategic insight and adaptability required to navigate the evolving demands of higher education. Chambers holds a Doctorate in Education from the University of West Georgia. He earned his Master’s of Business Administration from Kennesaw State in 2013, and a Bachelor’s in Business Management from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 2007. Chambers began his role at Fitchburg State on December 1, 2025.

Fitchburg State University President Dr. Donna Hodge has been selected for the Worcester Business Journal's annual Power 100 feature, which recognizes the 100 most influential professionals driving economic, civic, and community impact across Central Massachusetts. The annual Power 100 list highlights leaders who bring new ideas to the forefront and help shape the future of the region through their work and service. Dr. Hodge was recognized in the education category for her leadership of Fitchburg State University and her commitment to strengthening the institution's role as a regional educational, economic, and civic partner. "On behalf of the Fitchburg State University Board of Trustees, I extend our sincere congratulations to President Donna Hodge for being recognized for her outstanding and innovative leadership by the Worcester Business Journal's Power 100," said Board of Trustees Chairman Dr. Michael Fiorentino Jr. "We're proud to have such a dedicated and accomplished individual leading Fitchburg State University. This prestigious honor celebrates influential leaders who have contributed to shaping the future of the region and state. President Hodge has made a significant impact on our region for over two years, and her vision and leadership has transformed FSU." Hodge is the 12th president of Fitchburg State University and the first woman to lead the institution in its 132-year history. A first-generation college student, she brings more than two decades of higher education leadership experience to the role. Since arriving at Fitchburg State in 2024, Hodge has focused on strengthening the university's connection to the communities it serves while advancing student success, institutional sustainability, and regional partnerships. She has consistently emphasized the university's responsibility as a public institution to expand educational opportunity and contribute to the economic and civic vitality of North Central Massachusetts. During her first two years as president, Hodge has championed several initiatives designed to strengthen both the university and the region. These include the launch of Fitchburg Promise, a tuition-free pathway for eligible Fitchburg Public Schools graduates; advancement of the Theater Block project in downtown Fitchburg; expanded partnerships with local schools, employers, and community organizations; and efforts to increase transparency and engagement across the campus community. Hodge has also prioritized creating opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to contribute to the university's future. New initiatives, including the Presidential Fellows and Presidential Ambassadors programs, have engaged members of the campus community in projects that support institutional priorities and strengthen connections between the university and the region. A visible presence on campus and throughout the community, Hodge regularly engages with students, employees, alumni, business leaders, elected officials, and community partners. She has been a vocal advocate for the value of public higher education and the important role regional universities play in workforce development, economic mobility, and community well-being. Beyond campus, Hodge serves on several regional boards and organizations, including the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts, the Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts, and the Fitchburg Art Museum. Through these roles, she contributes to initiatives focused on economic development, philanthropy, education, and quality of life throughout the region. The Worcester Business Journal's Power 100 is published annually and recognizes individuals whose leadership and influence extend beyond their organizations to help shape the future of Central Massachusetts.

Two Fitchburg State University distinguished academic leaders, Associate Provost Jannette McMenamy and Psychological Science Department Chair Laura Garofoli, have been selected for prestigious 2026 leadership programs hosted by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU). McMenamy will join the Becoming a Provost Academy (BAPA), a program designed to prepare high-potential administrators for the complexities of the chief academic officer role, while Garofoli will participate in the Department Chair Leadership Institute (DCLI), which focuses on enhancing the essential management and advocacy skills required for departmental excellence. These selections underscore Fitchburg State’s commitment to fostering a culture of executive growth and ensuring the university remains at the forefront of higher education leadership. McMenamy, who recently transitioned from her acting role into a permanent appointment as Associate Provost, was chosen for the prestigious program following a rigorous application process aimed at preparing the next generation of higher education leaders. The academy provides structured mentorship and operational training designed to bridge the gap between traditional academic leadership and the complex, systems-oriented responsibilities of a chief academic officer. Fitchburg State President Donna Hodge, herself an alumna of the program, expressed strong confidence in McMenamy’s leadership and the impact this opportunity will have on the university's academic mission. "Jannette is a rare leader who balances deep experience with a bold vision,” said Hodge. “Like my own transformative experience with AASCU, Jannette is ready to move beyond traditional academic roles toward a more expansive, systems-focused leadership style. She has the judgment and values to excel." McMenamy said that it’s an honor to have been selected for the AASCU's Becoming a Provost Academy. “I am excited and grateful for the opportunity to represent Fitchburg State University and to learn alongside higher education leaders from across the country,” said Associate Provost McMenamy. “I look forward to applying what I learn to support our ongoing work in Academic Affairs." Garofoli was chosen from a highly competitive pool of applicants from across the country. The Institute is specifically designed for department chairs at regional public universities who aspire to be dynamic, strategic, and empathetic leaders. "This recognition is a testament to Laura’s leadership, her commitment to our students, and the respect she’s earned among her colleagues," said Hodge. "We are proud to have Laura representing Fitchburg State in this distinguished cohort. I have no doubt she will bring back insights and strategies that will strengthen her department and our entire campus community." Since joining the Fitchburg State community in 2005, Garofoli has demonstrated a deep-seated commitment to the institution, beginning her tenure in the Education Department before transitioning to Behavioral Sciences and ultimately to the Psychological Science Department upon its founding in 2015. Over the past two decades, she has played an instrumental role in shaping the university's academic landscape by revising curriculum and developing innovative courses. “I am truly honored to have been selected for the AASCU Department Chair Leadership Institute, and I am especially grateful to Dr. Hodge for nominating me,” said Garofoli. “This opportunity reflects not only a personal milestone, but a commitment to strengthening the academic community I have the privilege of serving every day. I look forward to deepening my leadership skills alongside colleagues from across the country and bringing those insights back to benefit our students, faculty, and institution.” The 2026 Department Chair Leadership Institute provides participants with a national perspective on the evolving role of the department chair. The curriculum focuses on: Aligning departmental goals with the university’s broader vision. Strategies for delivering value and ensuring high-quality student outcomes. Leading with an inclusive and equitable approach to academic administration. The program will run from September through December. It features a blended learning format, including a two-day intensive residency at AASCU’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., followed by a series of interactive virtual workshops. Garofoli’s selection continues a tradition of leadership excellence at Fitchburg State. She follows Professor Erin Rehrig, Chair of the Biology and Chemistry Department, who was selected for the institute’s inaugural cycle. By participating in this national learning community, Garofoli will collaborate with peers from across the country to address the unique challenges facing modern higher education. Garofoli’s leadership roles at Fitchburg State include being selected this spring as Special Adviser to the President for the coming academic year, during which she will oversee the next cohort of Presidential Fellows. She replaces Professor of Behavioral Sciences David Weiss, who coordinated last year’s Presidential Fellows Program. Weiss has stepped into a new administrative position as Dean of Institutional Advancement, effective July 1. President Hodge launched the Fellows program in 2024, designed to support leadership development among faculty and librarians while strengthening connections between faculty expertise and institutional priorities. Presidential Fellows engage regularly with the President’s Office and senior university leadership on issues relevant to Fitchburg State and the broader landscape of higher education. The fellowship is intended to recognize and amplify the meaningful work faculty and librarians are already doing across the university.

Fitchburg State University held its 130th commencement exercises on Saturday, May 16, celebrating nearly 800 graduate and undergraduate students who completed their degrees. (View photos from the Undergraduate and Graduate ceremony on the Burg Blog). Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll delivered the commencement address at the undergraduate ceremony. Driscoll, sworn in alongside Governor Maura Healey in 2023, is part of the historic, first-ever all-women executive team to lead the state. In her address, Driscoll urged the Class of 2026 to view their degrees as a testament to their resilience and a gateway to civic leadership within the Commonwealth. Drawing on her own history as a first-generation college student and a graduate of the public higher education system, Driscoll emphasized that while the graduates enter a world marked by uncertainty and division, they are uniquely prepared to meet these challenges through intentional action and public service. She highlighted the diversity of the cohort, which includes 277 first-generation students representing 26 states and four countries, as a vital source of talent that Massachusetts needs to drive future innovation and community growth. Driscoll challenged the new alumni to transform their passion for their communities into tangible contributions that will shape the next chapter of the state’s history. "Democracy only works when good people step forward; when thoughtful people choose participation over cynicism; when talented people like all of you decide your communities are worth investing in,” said Driscoll. “That’s why Massachusetts needs you. “We want you to stay here, to build your careers here, to raise families here, to help us continue making this the best place to live, work, go to school, innovate, and grow older,” said Driscoll. “Because when I look out at this graduating class, I see exactly why I remain optimistic about our future. I see intelligence, compassion, determination, resilience. I see a generation that is far more prepared to lead than it often gets credit for. So today, celebrate yourselves and be proud of what you have achieved.” In her address to the graduates, Fitchburg State President Donna Hodge described the journey to commencement as a "transformation" of the self. She noted that the day represented more than a collection of courses, it was a celebration of the resilience and intellectual growth that defined the Class of 2026. Acknowledging the diverse paths taken by the graduates—including veterans, parents, and first-generation students—Hodge praised their decision to choose "innovation over stagnation" and "community over isolation" during a period of national complexity for higher education. She highlighted student leaders – Michael Burns, Julia Arena, Matt Gill, Geybrell Liriano and the recipient of the 2026 Robert V. and Jeanne S. Antonucci Award Charlie Stevenson – as embodiments of the university’s mission, emphasizing that Fitchburg State’s strength lies in its commitment to providing elite opportunities and accessible excellence. Hodge charged the new alumni to move beyond their credentials and utilize their sharpened discernment to lead with ethics and humanity in a world often distracted by division and simplicity. "A university education shouldn’t simply prepare you to make a living,” said Hodge. “It should prepare you to live thoughtfully, ethically, and responsibly. It should teach you how to ask better questions, how to discern truth from noise, and how to remain intellectually curious long after the final exam has ended. "The world doesn’t merely need more credentials,” said Hodge. “It needs more people willing to think carefully, lead courageously, serve generously, and remain human in a culture increasingly tempted by division, speed, outrage, and simplicity." The President later added that the world doesn’t need perfect people. “It needs engaged people, thoughtful people, ethical people and hopeful people,” said Hodge. “It needs people like you.” Stevenson, a resident of Rutland and a veteran of the Army Reserve, had the highest honor bestowed upon a graduating senior at the university with the Antonucci Award. Reflecting on a journey that spanned nearly 30 years since his initial degree, Stevenson addressed the graduates with a tribute to the power of community and the "ancient technology" of human connection. Drawing inspiration from the resilient saxifrage flower on the university seal and the humble dandelion, Stevenson urged his fellow graduates to embrace their intrinsic capacity for empathy and inquisitiveness as they navigate a rapidly changing technological landscape. He emphasized that the true value of their education lay not just in their academic achievements, but in the ways they showed up for one another. "The future may seem like a landscape we don’t recognize, governed by logic that feels unfamiliar to us,” said Stevenson, a dual major in Computer Science and Mathematics, with a specialized concentration in Cybersecurity. “But while the world is always changing, the precedent for being human has never been more stable." Stevenson concluded by encouraging the graduates to spread into their communities like dandelion seeds, "maximizing our potential, breaking down obstacles, spreading far and wide into our communities, and enriching the world." Stevenson received the first diploma of the celebration. In addition to the undergraduate ceremony, the university also held a ceremony to confer graduate degrees in the morning on Saturday, May 16. Jossara Dos Santos Dias of Boston, who earned her Master of Education in Educational Leadership, received the Graduate Student Leadership Award and addressed her fellow graduates and guests at the graduate ceremony. Since 2022, Dias has served as the STEM Education Senior Coordinator at Vertex Pharmaceuticals, where she utilizes her expertise and bilingualism to mentor aspiring biotech professionals and advocate for students facing language barriers. Dias has a holistic commitment to leadership that extends far beyond the classroom, effectively strengthening both her community and the next generation of leaders. Dias delivered a stirring call to action that celebrated the profound transformation of a cohort defined by its ability to balance professional, personal, and academic demands. Her remarks highlighted the grit forged through life’s unpredictable challenges and the necessity of maintaining one’s passion as a "guiding light" amidst the pursuit of success. Dias urged her fellow graduates to carry forward a spirit of lifelong curiosity and to lead their communities with integrity and empathy, noting that their degrees serve as a testament to their discipline and purpose. Dias reflected on the resilience that defined their collective journeys. “We learned what it means to be resilient, not the kind that appears perfect or polished, but the kind that emerges when life does not go as planned, the kind that says, ‘try again’ in the face of rejection, exhaustion, or self-doubt,” said Dias. In her closing remarks, Dias captured the triumphant spirit of the day. "Congratulations, Class of 2026,” said Dias. “We didn’t just make it; we transformed along the way."