" The English Renaissance in Music," a collaborative concert event featuring Fitchburg State Choirs, the Christ Church Fitchburg Choir, and professional early music instrumental ensemble Seven Times Salt, will perform at 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 26 at Christ Church Fitchburg, 569 Main Street. The concert is open to the public, with a $10 suggested donation for adults and $5 suggested donation for students, but no one will be turned away. The Fitchburg State Choirs, the Christ Church Fitchburg Choir, and professional early music instrumental ensemble Seven Times Salt combine forces to perform music from, and inspired by, the Renaissance era in England. The program includes music by English Renaissance composers like William Byrd, Thomas Tallis, and Orlando Gibbons, as well as Renaissance-influenced works by modern composers like Emma Lou Diemer and Adolphus Hailstork. "This is a beautiful collaboration on beautiful music in a beautiful space, so come and feed your soul,” said Fitchburg State Associate Professor of Humanities and faculty conductor of the Fitchburg State Choirs Jonathan Harvey.

Fitchburg State University President Dr. Donna Hodge is proud to announce the 10 finalists for the Robert V. and Jeanne S. Antonucci Award. As the university’s premier recognition for a graduating senior – named in honor of President Emeritus Robert V. Antonucci and his wife, Jeanne S. Antonucci – this award celebrates graduating seniors who embody the heart and soul of Fitchburg State. While academic and civic achievements are essential markers of a 2026 finalist, this honor transcends traditional metrics like GPA. Instead, the award prioritizes the diversity of the student journey and the resilience of character forged at Fitchburg State. “The Antonucci Award represents the very best of who we are,” said President Hodge. “It celebrates the student journey—those who have navigated adversity, embraced the richness of our diverse community, and led with a passion that inspires others. These finalists aren’t just students; they are the architects of our campus culture.” The Antonucci Award recognizes the exemplary student who has not only reached graduation but has navigated a complex path to get there—transforming personal challenges into leadership that strengthens our entire community. These finalists represent the very best of the Falcon spirit: a profound commitment to the University’s mission and a relentless drive toward both academic and civic success. Selected from a distinguished pool of highly qualified applicants, these 10 finalists have achieved an extraordinary distinction. The candidates will now advance to a formal interview process with members of the President’s Cabinet. Following these sessions, the Cabinet will provide final recommendations to President Hodge to determine the recipient of the Robert V. and Jeanne S. Antonucci Award. The winner, who will be announced at the end of the day on Monday, April 27, will receive a $1,500 honorarium and the distinct honor of delivering the student address during the Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 16 on the main quadrangle. The 10 finalists will be recognized at the Presidential Garden Gala: An Evening Where the Future Blooms – Fitchburg State University’s second annual black-tie fundraiser – from 5-11 p.m. on Saturday, April 25 at the Recreation Center, 130 North Street. The Garden Gala program includes a cocktail reception and dinner, followed by the community awards ceremony and an evening of dancing. Honorees will include President Emeritus Robert V. Antonucci and Jeanne S. Antonucci; the Center for Italian Culture at Fitchburg State; and 2016 alumna Stephany Infante, now a member of the Lawrence City Council. Tickets and sponsorship information may be found at fitchburgstate.edu/gala2026 . While one student will ultimately take the stage at Commencement, all 10 finalists represent a powerful cross-section of the Fitchburg State experience: Madison Ambrogi , of Templeton, is a dual Biology and Environmental & Earth Science major with minors in Chemistry and Geographic Information Systems. She served as lead intern for a three-year community service initiative to mitigate the "digital equity gap," has tutored for three years, and participated on multiple panels during Future Falcon Days. Julia Arena , of Shrewsbury, is an Exercise and Sports Science major with a concentration in Clinical Exercise Physiology and a minor in Biology. A former collegiate cross country and track athlete, she holds the titles of Lead Resident Assistant and Presidential Ambassador Emeritus. Arena founded the campus's Give and Go program, which recycles dorm items between departing and incoming students. As a junior, she represented the Exercise Science Department in the New England American College of Sports Medicine (NEACSM) College Bowl and was honored with the Leadership in Exercise and Sports Science Award for academic excellence and research in the field. Michael Burns , of Worcester, is a History major with a minor in Political Journalism. He served as president of the Student Government Association for two years and Managing Editor of The Point newspaper. Burns was also an inaugural Presidential Ambassador, a Peer Mentor & Tutor in the ACT Center, and a four-year varsity athlete in cross country, indoor, and outdoor Track & Field. Matthew Gill , of Ayer, is an English Studies major with a concentration in English Initial License (5-12) and a minor in Middle and Secondary Ed (5-12). Gill served as a Student Board of Trustee and a Presidential Ambassador Emeritus. Working with Dr. Katharine Covino (English Studies), Gill created an actionable research Presidential Ambassador/Fellow project focused on student sense of belonging at the university. He was also a Research Assistant and Teaching Intern, President of the Student Education Association of MA – Fitchburg Chapter, and a three-year athlete in cross country, indoor, and outdoor track and field. Amanda DeLeon Guimareas , of Leominster, is an Interdisciplinary Studies major with a Pre-Law concentration and a minor in Political Science. She advanced to the second day of the Moot Court National competition after winning the Regional Competition in November, receiving an orator award for speaking. Guimareas was also selected to receive the Outstanding Pre-law Student award. Autumn Hughes , of New Ipswich, N.H., is a Creative Arts Therapies major with a music concentration. She is a founding member of the Falcon Bands E-Board, served on the choir E-Board, is the assistant music director for the musical theater club, and tutors in the ACT Center. Geybrell Liriano , of Lawrence, is a Psychological Science major. He is a Presidential Ambassador, an Office Assistant and Community Desk Assistant for the Housing Office, an Orientation Leader, and a Summer Residential Assistant. He is also an Upward Bound Math & Science Resident Counselor and Tutor, the Secretary and an Actor for the Musical Theater Club, the Historian for Alpha Alpha Alpha —a first-generation student honor society– and a Chamber Choir member. Evan Pritchard , of Fitchburg, is a non-traditional dual Computer Science and Mathematics major with concentrations in Cybersecurity and Applied Mathematics. He also works full-time on campus as a Maintainer 1. Pritchard collaborated with staff and faculty to create an internship so he could tutor without pay and is known for helping his fellow students. Trenton Skaggs , from Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, is a dual major in Business Administration and Economics, with a minor in International Studies. He is the President of the Business Honors Society, Captain of the men’s ice hockey team, and serves as a member of both the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and the Dean’s Advisory Council. Charles Stevenson , of Rutland, is a dual Computer Science and Mathematics major with a concentration in Cybersecurity. Named the Outstanding Mathematics Major and inducted into Pi Mu Epsilon, the Army veteran is a Health and Natural Sciences Student Ambassador who represented the Mathematics and Computer Science departments at Future Falcon Day. He proctored the 45th annual Elizabeth Haskins Mathematics Contest, represented the university nationally at the 2026 Joint Mathematics Meetings, and shared his research and experience at a Board of Trustees meeting in April. The Class of 2026 Undergraduate Commencement will begin at 2 p.m. on May 16, featuring a keynote address by Massachusetts Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll. For more information about the commencement ceremony, please visit fitchburgstate.edu/commencement .

The Presidential Garden Gala: An Evening Where the Future Blooms – Fitchburg State University’s second annual black-tie fundraiser – will be held from 5-11 p.m. on Saturday, April 25 at the Recreation Center, 130 North Street. The Garden Gala program includes a cocktail reception and dinner, followed by the community awards ceremony and an evening of dancing. Honorees will include President Emeritus Robert V. Antonucci and Jeanne S. Antonucci; the Center for Italian Culture at Fitchburg State; and 2016 alumna Stephany Infante, now a member of the Lawrence City Council. Tickets and sponsorship information may be found at fitchburgstate.edu/gala2026. “The Presidential Garden Gala represents a critical investment in the success of our students and the vitality of our institution,” said Fitchburg State University President Donna Hodge. “As we honor the enduring legacy of the Antonuccis, the cultural impact of the Center for Italian Culture, and the leadership of alumna Stephany Infante, we are reminded that our community's support is what allows the next generation of leaders to thrive. This evening is a celebration of that shared commitment to Fitchburg State’s future.” At Fitchburg State, the saxifrage stands as a quiet emblem of strength—thriving in unlikely places, blooming with determination. It reflects the spirit of our students, who pursue their dreams with resilience, creativity, and courage. This year’s Presidential Garden Gala invites the community to be part of that story of growth. An Evening Where the Future Blooms is more than a celebration; it is a commitment to nurturing the next generation. Surrounded by a garden-inspired atmosphere, guests will experience the symbolism of the saxifrage woven throughout the evening—a reminder that even the smallest seed of support can spark extraordinary transformation. The university’s signature community awards are presented to honorees who have made a difference in the lives of Fitchburg State, its students, and the wider community. Community award recipients: The President’s Award for Service to the Institution will be presented to President Emeritus Robert V. Antonucci and his wife Jeanne S. Antonucci. “Bob’s presidency was defined by steady leadership, thoughtful decision-making, and a clear belief in the power and promise of public higher education,” said President Hodge. “He strengthened the foundation of the university and helped position Fitchburg State to endure change while remaining true to its mission. Many of the values that continue to guide this campus today reflect the tone and direction he set during his time here. “The warmth and generosity Jeanne extended to this community mattered deeply,” said Hodge. “She helped create a sense of welcome and connection that made Fitchburg State feel not just like a workplace or campus, but like a community. Her quiet leadership and genuine care for people enriched the university in ways that continue to be felt.” The President’s Award for Distinguished Service to Education will be presented to the Center for Italian Culture, which since 1999 has been one of the university’s most impactful community outreach programs. “The President’s Award for Distinguished Service to Education is reserved for individuals and organizations whose sustained commitment to learning, scholarship, and cultural exchange has strengthened both the university and the broader community,” said Hodge. “The Center for Italian Culture has done exactly that for more than two decades, enriching the intellectual and cultural life of our campus while helping preserve and celebrate an important part of the region’s heritage.” President’s Medallion for Emerging Impact will be presented to Stephany Infante. “This award celebrates individuals whose early accomplishments and forward-leaning leadership signal not just notable achievement, but meaningful promise,” said Hodge. “Stephany embodies that promise. From the moment she arrived at Fitchburg State, she embraced opportunities to serve, to step forward, and to find her voice in pursuit of the greater good. Stephany’s work in student government gave shape to her belief that leadership is first and foremost about listening and lifting up others.”

Fitchburg State University announced that it has earned the 2026-2027 Military Friendly® School designation. Institutions earning the Military Friendly® School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. The rankings measure institutions’ ability to meet thresholds for retention, graduation, job placement, repayment, persistence, and loan default rates for all students, and specifically for student veterans. Fitchburg State has been designated a Military Friendly® institution every year since 2015. In addition to the Gold ranking, Fitchburg State was also designated a Military Spouse Friendly School. “Earning the Gold ranking and the Military Spouse Friendly designation affirms the focused work we have undertaken over the past two years to strengthen how we serve military-connected students,” said Fitchburg State President Donna Hodge. “We have invested in dedicated leadership, expanded support structures, and deepened cross-campus collaboration to ensure that veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard members, spouses, and dependents experience not just access, but belonging and momentum.” Director of Military and Veteran Services Nolan Buck, who has the honor of assisting 99 student veterans enrolled at the university this semester, said he was proud of Fitchburg State’s continued recognition as a military-friendly institution. “Big energy and big pride as we once again earned military-friendly recognition, and we didn’t just maintain, we leveled up from Silver to Gold,” said Buck. “That kind of growth happens when passionate people come together with open minds and a real care-for-others mindset. Our mission is to serve all military-connected students, whether they are active duty, National Guard, veterans, spouses, dependents, or learning with us online or in person. I’m beyond grateful to everyone committed to supporting this community. This win reflects our heart, our teamwork, and our drive to keep raising the bar.” President Hodge said that as the veteran population is growing, that growth reflects both trust and outcomes. “These students bring leadership, discipline, global perspective, and a profound sense of service to our classrooms,” said Hodge. “They raise the standard for all of us. At Fitchburg State, we are committed to meeting them with clear pathways, flexible learning models, strong advising, and career preparation that translates their service into long-term opportunity. “This recognition matters because it signals results,” said Hodge. “But what matters more is the daily work behind it, ensuring that every military-connected student who chooses Fitchburg State finds a community ready to honor their service and invest in their future.” For more information about the university’s student veteran programs, visit fitchburgstate.edu/veterans. About Military Friendly ® Schools The Military Friendly® Schools list is created each year based on extensive research using public data sources from more than 8,800 schools nationwide, input from student veterans, and responses to the proprietary, data-driven Military Friendly® Schools survey from participating institutions. The survey questions, methodology, criteria and weighting were developed with the assistance of an independent research firm and an advisory council of educators and employers. The survey is administered for free and is open to all postsecondary schools that wish to participate. Criteria for consideration can be found at www.militaryfriendly.com About Fitchburg State University Fitchburg State University public institution located in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, dedicated to integrating high-quality professional programs with strong liberal arts and sciences studies. Founded in 1894, the university has more than 30 undergraduate programs and 22 master’s programs. About Viqtory Founded in 2001, VIQTORY is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) that connects the military community to civilian employment, educational and entrepreneurial opportunities through its G.I. Jobs® and Military Friendly® brands. VIQTORY and its brands are not a part of or endorsed by the U.S. Dept of Defense or any federal government entity. Learn more about VIQTORY at www.viqtory.com

Fitchburg State University President Donna Hodge is proud to announce that Massachusetts Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll will deliver the keynote address at the university’s undergraduate commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 16, on the main quadrangle. Fitchburg State holds its 130th commencement exercises in May, with a graduate commencement ceremony at 8 a.m. followed by the undergraduate ceremony at 2 p.m. “On behalf of the entire campus community, I am thrilled to welcome Lt. Gov. Driscoll back to campus to deliver the commencement address on May 16,” President Hodge said. “With Gov. Maura Healey, Lt. Gov. Driscoll has been a staunch advocate for investments in public education. She knows the crucial role that institutions like Fitchburg State play in the lives of our students and the communities we serve. We are honored that she will address our graduating students as they prepare to continue their journeys in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and beyond.” "I'm honored to be back at Fitchburg State as this year's commencement speaker,” Lt. Gov. Driscoll said. “As a proud graduate of Massachusetts’ public university system, I know how life-changing this kind of education can be. This year's Fitchburg State graduates will find incredible opportunities ahead of them as they enter their next chapter, and they'll use the skills they gained over the course of their time at Fitchburg State to make a positive impact on our communities. I'm excited to congratulate the Class of 2026 in person this May!" Lt. Gov. Driscoll last spoke on campus in April, delivering remarks at the investiture ceremony where President Hodge was formally installed as Fitchburg State’s 12th leader and the first woman to hold the post in the institution’s history. Fitchburg State will hold a separate ceremony at 8 a.m. Saturday, May 16, for the conferral of graduate degrees. This ceremony will also be held on the main quadrangle. Additional details on the ceremonies may be found at fitchburgstate.edu/commencement. Both ceremonies will stream live on FATV at fatv.org/fsu. About Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll Driscoll is the 73rd Lieutenant Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and with Gov. Healey represents the first all-women executive team to lead Massachusetts. Since taking office, Lt. Gov Driscoll has spearheaded several administration priorities and initiatives. Exemplified by her extensive and successful career in local government, Driscoll has served as a notable proponent for the economic development of Massachusetts cities and towns, and serves as a liaison for municipalities across the state. This commitment also includes leadership on tackling the state’s housing crisis and improving the state’s public education policy. Driscoll also chairs the Governor’s Council, the Governor’s Council to Address Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, and Human Trafficking, the Seaport Economic Council, and co-chairs the STEM Advisory Council. About Fitchburg State 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.