Fitchburg State University President Hodge announced the appointment of Rebecca H. Newell as Fitchburg State’s new Executive Director of Personnel Services, effective Monday, Nov. 30. Newell has most recently served as Director of Equal Opportunity and Institutional Compliance in the Office of Human Resources and Payroll Services. She joined the Fitchburg State community in 2024. “Rebecca has provided critical support to Fitchburg State’s Title IX and Equal Employment Opportunity efforts, which complement her nearly 30 years of experience in a variety of roles in higher education,” President Hodge said. “I am grateful for the skills and perspective she will bring to this position, supporting all members of the campus community.” Newell will succeed Kimberly Page, who is leaving Fitchburg State after 10 years to pursue another professional opportunity. “I want to thank Kim Page for her remarkable service to Fitchburg State,” President Hodge said. “Kim has supported the campus with exceptional professionalism, impeccable judgment, and an abiding sense of fairness that strengthened our community. I wish her all the best in her next endeavor.” “I have truly enjoyed my time at Fitchburg State over the past decade and cherish the memories of working alongside such dedicated employees, staff and leadership team,” Page said. “It has been a privilege to serve the university and lead Personnel Services under the guidance of Stacey Luster and President Hodge. FSU will always hold a special place for me, and I remain confident that Personnel Services will continue to serve as a vital resource for our community moving forward.” Newell will report to Vice President of Personnel Services and General Counsel Stacey Luster. “I am thrilled that Rebecca has agreed to accept this vital position in support of our campus community,” Luster said. “In her tenure at Fitchburg State she has already proved herself a valued leader in the division and a trusted collaborator by her colleagues from across campus.” “I am truly honored to step into this role,” Newell said. “I look forward to building upon the tremendous contributions and strong foundation established before me. Most importantly, I look forward to listening and collaborating with our campus community to ensure Personnel Services is a trusted resource and valued partner, as employees are the heart of a great university. I'm looking forward to cultivating important relationships across our campus community, working together towards our common purpose. I am eager to be a part of the wonderful work ahead as we grow, evolve, and support one another.” Newell joined Fitchburg State in 2024 after 22 years at Middlesex Community College, where her many roles included service as Dean of Students and Title IX Coordinator. She completed her undergraduate degree in psychology at Clark University and a Master of Education in higher education administration at Boston College. She will complete her second master’s degree – a Master of Business Administration in Human Resources – from Fitchburg State next spring.

Legendary Fitchburg State University men’s ice hockey Coach Dean Fuller and the Fitchburg Art Museum will be celebrated at the university’s third annual Presidential Gala on Saturday, April 24, 2027. The black-tie event is the university’s premier fundraising event of the year. Guests will enjoy a cocktail reception and dinner, followed by the community awards ceremony and an evening of live music and dancing. Tickets and sponsorship information may be found at Fitchburgstate.edu/Gala2027. “I am thrilled to gather with our friends and partners to honor trailblazers like Coach Dean Fuller and the Fitchburg Art Museum, whose contributions leave such a lasting impact on our students and region. From the opening reception to the dance floor, it promises to be an inspiring night full of gratitude, celebration, and community pride,” said University President Donna Hodge. “The Presidential Gala is always a joyful evening for our campus family, bringing us together to celebrate the incredible spirit, passion, and generosity that drive Fitchburg State forward.” Coach Fuller will receive the President’s Award for Distinguished Service to the University. Over four decades at the helm of the Fitchburg State men’s ice hockey program, Fuller’s career has been nothing short of legendary. He has built one of the most respected and enduring legacies in Division III hockey. Amassing over 600 career victories, multiple conference championships, NCAA tournament appearances, and numerous MASCAC Coach of the Year honors, Fuller’s impact extends far beyond wins and losses. Fuller has mentored generations of student-athletes, instilling character, accountability, and academic standards while consistently elevating the profile of Fitchburg State athletics. His steadfast commitment to excellence has continually propelled both the ice hockey program and the university forward. “When I was first informed of this honor by President Hodge, I was speechless,” said Fuller. “Fitchburg State has played a major role in my life as a student, an athlete, and for the past 43 years as a coach. I have had incredible mentors, and I have met my best friends here. I look forward to continuing chasing wins and appreciate the energy that President Hodge has brought to our campus and honoring me with this award.” “While his remarkable milestone of over 600 career victories speaks to his mastery as a leader on the ice, his greatest contribution has been his tireless commitment to shaping young men of character, intellect, and purpose,” said Fitchburg State Executive Director – Chief Athletics and Recreation Officer Matt Burke. “Dean has elevated our entire athletic department and left an indelible mark on our institution, and it is a true privilege to celebrate his historic impact.” The President’s Award for Distinguished Service to Education will be presented to the Fitchburg Art Museum (FAM). As the de facto museum for Fitchburg State, the Fitchburg Art Museum serves as an invaluable partner to the university community. Since the landmark agreement forged between institutional leaders more than 10 years ago, these two pillars of the community have nurtured a deeply rooted collaboration. Today, Fitchburg State students, staff, and faculty continue to benefit immensely from free admission, co-taught courses, hands-on internships, and collaborative student-led projects ranging from marketing campaigns to gallery exhibitions showcasing student work. The vision and leadership at FAM have not only enriched the university’s academic landscape, but have also created an enduring bond that strengthens both the campus and the wider Fitchburg community. “The Fitchburg Art Museum is deeply honored to receive the 2027 Presidential Award for Distinguished Service to Education,” said FAM Director Nick Capasso. “Education is at the core of our mission, and FAM offers programs for learners of all ages. We are especially proud of our longstanding and impactful partnership with Fitchburg State University, which provides significant enrichment and career development for students, and contributes to community and economic development initiatives in Fitchburg and North Central Massachusetts.” “Our partnership with the Fitchburg Art Museum serves as a powerful engine for active learning and creative discovery across our entire academic community,” said Fitchburg State University Acting Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Franca Barricelli. “By opening its galleries as living classrooms, hosting collaborative exhibitions, and involving our students directly in professional media, marketing, and curatorial projects, FAM bridges academic theory with real-world creative practice. Honoring Nick Capasso and the museum with this award celebrates a shared dedication to educational innovation that deepens our curriculum while elevating the role of the arts in students' experience at Fitchburg State.”

Legendary Fitchburg State University men’s ice hockey Coach Dean Fuller and the Fitchburg Art Museum will be celebrated at the university’s third annual Presidential Gala on Saturday, April 24, 2027. The black-tie event is the university’s premier fundraising event of the year. Guests will enjoy a cocktail reception and dinner, followed by the community awards ceremony and an evening of live music and dancing. Tickets and sponsorship information may be found at Fitchburgstate.edu/Gala2027. “I am thrilled to gather with our friends and partners to honor trailblazers like Coach Dean Fuller and the Fitchburg Art Museum, whose contributions leave such a lasting impact on our students and region. From the opening reception to the dance floor, it promises to be an inspiring night full of gratitude, celebration, and community pride,” said University President Donna Hodge. “The Presidential Gala is always a joyful evening for our campus family, bringing us together to celebrate the incredible spirit, passion, and generosity that drive Fitchburg State forward.” Coach Fuller will receive the President’s Award for Distinguished Service to the University. Over four decades at the helm of the Fitchburg State men’s ice hockey program, Fuller’s career has been nothing short of legendary. He has built one of the most respected and enduring legacies in Division III hockey. Amassing over 600 career victories, multiple conference championships, NCAA tournament appearances, and numerous MASCAC Coach of the Year honors, Fuller’s impact extends far beyond wins and losses. Fuller has mentored generations of student-athletes, instilling character, accountability, and academic standards while consistently elevating the profile of Fitchburg State athletics. His steadfast commitment to excellence has continually propelled both the ice hockey program and the university forward. “When I was first informed of this honor by President Hodge, I was speechless,” said Fuller. “Fitchburg State has played a major role in my life as a student, an athlete, and for the past 43 years as a coach. I have had incredible mentors, and I have met my best friends here. I look forward to continuing chasing wins and appreciate the energy that President Hodge has brought to our campus and honoring me with this award.” “While his remarkable milestone of over 600 career victories speaks to his mastery as a leader on the ice, his greatest contribution has been his tireless commitment to shaping young men of character, intellect, and purpose,” said Fitchburg State Executive Director – Chief Athletics and Recreation Officer Matt Burke. “Dean has elevated our entire athletic department and left an indelible mark on our institution, and it is a true privilege to celebrate his historic impact.” The President’s Award for Distinguished Service to Education will be presented to the Fitchburg Art Museum (FAM). As the de facto museum for Fitchburg State, the Fitchburg Art Museum serves as an invaluable partner to the university community. Since the landmark agreement forged between institutional leaders more than 10 years ago, these two pillars of the community have nurtured a deeply rooted collaboration. Today, Fitchburg State students, staff, and faculty continue to benefit immensely from free admission, co-taught courses, hands-on internships, and collaborative student-led projects ranging from marketing campaigns to gallery exhibitions showcasing student work. The vision and leadership at FAM have not only enriched the university’s academic landscape, but have also created an enduring bond that strengthens both the campus and the wider Fitchburg community. “The Fitchburg Art Museum is deeply honored to receive the 2027 Presidential Award for Distinguished Service to Education,” said FAM Director Nick Capasso. “Education is at the core of our mission, and FAM offers programs for learners of all ages. We are especially proud of our longstanding and impactful partnership with Fitchburg State University, which provides significant enrichment and career development for students, and contributes to community and economic development initiatives in Fitchburg and North Central Massachusetts.” “Our partnership with the Fitchburg Art Museum serves as a powerful engine for active learning and creative discovery across our entire academic community,” said Fitchburg State University Acting Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Franca Barricelli. “By opening its galleries as living classrooms, hosting collaborative exhibitions, and involving our students directly in professional media, marketing, and curatorial projects, FAM bridges academic theory with real-world creative practice. Honoring Nick Capasso and the museum with this award celebrates a shared dedication to educational innovation that deepens our curriculum while elevating the role of the arts in students' experience at Fitchburg State.”

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.