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.”

Fitchburg State University was once again recognized for supporting the upward social mobility of its students in the U.S. News & World Report’s latest rankings of colleges and universities. Fitchburg State was also among the top public universities in the North. For social mobility, Fitchburg State was among the highest performing institutions in Massachusetts, which was measured by weighing institutional success in enrolling and graduating economically disadvantaged students. Fitchburg State also ranked for best colleges for veterans. "Opening the door to college is only the beginning,” said Fitchburg State President Donna Hodge. “At Fitchburg State, we work to help students graduate, including those facing financial barriers and those who have served our country. I'm proud of the faculty and staff who support them, and of the graduates who carry that education into their families and communities." U.S. News & World Report has published rankings of colleges and universities each year since 1983. The methodology it employs for ranking various categories is posted on its website.

Fitchburg State University has been officially designated as a Purple Heart University, recognizing its dedicated support for combat-wounded veterans, active-duty service members, and military-connected students. The formal recognition was officially proclaimed and highlighted by Fitchburg State University President Dr. Donna Hodge during her third annual State of the University address to kickstart the fall semester on campus. During the address, President Hodge invited university alumnus, current staff member and veteran Andres Crespo to the stage to read the official proclamation. The milestone followed a targeted two-year institutional strategy to strengthen recruitment and support systems for veterans and military-connected families. “Less than two years into a new institutional strategy for strengthening recruitment and support for veterans and military-connected families, enrollment among these student populations has more than doubled,” said President Hodge. “One-hundred new students on our campus. That growth makes this recognition especially meaningful.” The Purple Heart distinction underscores Fitchburg State’s ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive, supportive environment through specialized resources, tailored academic and financial counseling, and dedicated veteran services. This milestone builds upon an established tradition of military excellence, as Fitchburg State has consistently earned recognition as a Military Friendly® School every year since 2015 and currently holds Military Friendly® Gold status. As part of the Purple Heart Campus designation, the university has installed dedicated Purple Heart signage across campus grounds and designated two reserved, specially-marked parking spaces for visitors and students who carry the honor of being Purple Heart recipients. Purple Heart recipients receive welcoming, direct access to essential campus resources, including university library facilities and administrative services. These physical markers and access policies further enhance the campus infrastructure supported by the university’s Military and Veterans Services Office, the on-campus Veterans Center, and the active Student Veterans Association. “The Purple Heart distinction is another significant recognition of Fitchburg State's commitment to serving our veteran and military-connected students,” said Fitchburg State Dean of Students and Chief Student Affairs Officer Tim St. John. “The swiftness with which we were able to earn this distinction is a reflection of the work that has already been happening — the growing size of the veteran population we serve, creation of the Military and Veterans Services Office, Military-Gold Friendly distinction, the community being built through the Veterans Center and the Student Veterans Association.” The university’s strong connection to the Purple Heart honor is further exemplified within its leadership by Board of Trustees member Joe Byrne ’14, a Fitchburg State alumnus and decorated Vietnam War veteran who earned the Purple Heart during his 22-year career in the U.S. Army. As a former Green Beret and Army Ranger, Byrne’s personal history of combat sacrifice and public service embodies the very spirit of support and recognition that the Purple Heart designation represents. By honoring the sacrifice of Purple Heart recipients and integrating comprehensive military-friendly support structures across campus, Fitchburg State ensures student-veterans experience a smooth transition to higher education and a strong sense of community.