Women’s athletics at Fitchburg State University are soaring. On Monday, the university marked a turning point in its storied history of excellence in women’s athletics with the launch of She Soars, a new initiative for supporters and friends who want to assist student-athletes as they reach for the next level. “Today, we’re launching She Soars,” said Fitchburg State President Donna Hodge, the 12th president of the university and first woman to lead the institution in its 132-year history. “Not just as a booster club, but as a statement of intent. A new standard for how we support, invest in, and champion our female student-athletes. The history of women’s athletics at Fitchburg State is a story of grit and resolve. It’s a story of women who competed fiercely, led courageously, and built programs without always having equal resources or recognition. They didn’t wait for perfect conditions. They showed up. They worked. They won. “Now it’s our turn to match their determination with infrastructure,” said Hodge. “With visibility. With sustained investment. When a woman finds her stride, she doesn’t just reach the finish line. She redefines where that line stands. That’s the spirit behind She Soars.” Three-time Olympic medalist Gigi Marvin delivered the keynote address at the inaugural She Soars luncheon held in Hammond Hall’s Main Lounge. A pioneer for gender equity in professional athletics, Marvin’s appearance epitomized the university’s new initiative. “I’m already emotional and passionate about the kids and future women who are going to be able to compete here for hockey,” said Marvin, who centered her speech around leadership, humility, commitment to excellence and a championship mindset. “It’s fun to be in a room with people who are so committed to excellence and want to see their incredible women and men succeed at the highest levels that they can be at.” A flag-raising ceremony that followed in the Main Lounge marked the official start of the university’s Women’s History Month celebrations. More than a tribute to the university’s storied history, the She Soars luncheon established a bold blueprint for the future of Falcon athletics. By uniting supporters and campus leaders, the event signaled a transformative investment in the next generation of female leaders in sport and academia. Membership in the She Soars initiative represents a strategic partnership, positioning contributors as foundational pillars of the organization’s mission. “To our founding members, thank you,” said Hodge. “By joining She Soars, you’re doing more than supporting a program. You’re becoming foundational partners in Falcon history. Your investment strengthens the daily experience of our female student-athletes and ensures that the next generation doesn’t have to push quite as hard just to be seen. “And as we build that future, we’re guided by women who’ve already shown the world what’s possible,” said Hodge. The university is dedicated to championing the next generation of female athletes, ensuring that the fire of competition burning within them is matched only by the strength of the community standing behind them. Sue Lauder, who retired as the athletic director from Fitchburg State in 2018 after 22 years and was inducted in the Fitchburg State Hall of Fame in 2022, was honored to be a part of the She Soars celebration. “There’s a huge need,” said Lauder, who is an avid golfer in her retirement. “When I got here (as athletic director), what the facilities were, we had part-time coaches, we didn’t have a lacrosse program. I think back, and it was a struggle. I loved it, and it didn’t seem like a struggle at the time. But the ability to do all these things for kids is great. “To see this kind of interest in women’s sports, it’s so long overdue,” said Lauder. Through She Soars, the university is committing to: Providing the tools necessary for peak physical and mental performance, connecting athletes with leaders who have paved the way, and ensuring all Falcons have a voice that is heard at every level of the game. “By investing in these women today, we ensure that the standard of greatness established by those who came before is not only met—but surpassed,” said Fitchburg State Associate Athletics Director Bettiann Peura. “Today isn't just a launch; it’s a promise. A promise that every female athlete who wears the Green and Gold knows she has the wind of this entire university at her back. When she competes, she isn't just playing a game. She is proving that there are no limits to how high she can go. Together, let’s ensure that every Falcon has the wings to reach those heights.” Fitchburg State sophomore softball catcher Priscilla Dillon, an exercise and sports science major, said that as student-athletes, they learn how to lead, how to push others even when they are exhausted, how to function in adversity, and how to support their team like family. She said that being a student-athlete means balancing the weight of academic expectations with high athletic standards, all while striving to represent something greater than herself. “As for women in athletics, this responsibility seems to carry a significant meaning,” said Dillon. “Women’s sports have grown in outstanding numbers over the years, but there is still a fight for equal visibility, funding, and resources at any level of schooling. Behind every women’s team, there is a group of girls who train just as hard, sacrifice just as much, and who dream just as loud as anyone else. Being at Fitchburg State has broadened my perspective and has brought about some honest, and sometimes hard truths regarding women's sports.” But changes happen in moments like the She Soars initiative, said Dillon. “When there are people who are here to support women’s sports, that is where the change starts to take shape,” said Dillon. “As funding discrepancies will always be present, the importance of donor support becomes more evident, and then that donor support becomes transformational. You all who donate are not just helping pay for equipment or uniforms, but you are helping build confidence, leadership, and a future for young female athletes.” Sydney Nortelus, a senior health science major, is a member of the volleyball team and a Presidential Ambassador. She admitted that she had to start over, make new friends, and form bonds with new teammates when she stepped foot on campus at Fitchburg State. “At Fitchburg State, I didn’t just grow as an athlete, but as a person,” said Nortelus. “Being a part of women’s athletics makes that journey even more meaningful. Women’s sports are built on perseverance and a community. “Investing in women’s athletics, you are investing in leaders,” said Nortelus. Women’s sports are no longer just rising—they are soaring. At the Winter Games in Italy, the world watched as U.S. athletes shattered expectations and claimed their place at the forefront of history. From the U.S. women’s ice hockey team’s heart-stopping 2–1 overtime triumph over Canada to Alysa Liu’s masterful gold-medal figure skating performance, these athletes aren't just winning medals; they are leading a revolution in women’s athletics. In the 2027-2028 season, Fitchburg State will field its first-ever women’s varsity ice hockey team – the 18th varsity sport at the university. “This isn't just about adding a team; it’s about meeting the moment,” said Fitchburg State Executive Director of Athletics & Recreation Matt Burke. “Women’s hockey is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country. By 2027, the Wallace Civic Center won't just be the home of the Falcons; it will be a powerhouse for women’s hockey in New England. We are currently conducting a nationwide search for a head coach who will build this program from the ground up, and the funds raised through this effort will ensure they have the ‘ice-ready’ resources to compete for a MASCAC title from day one.” Marvin joined 10 student-athletes, along with faculty and staff, for a collaborative roundtable exchange at Miller Oval. Marvin fielded questions from the students and also talked in depth about her competitive drive. “My internal drive is crazy,” said Marvin. “I’m competitive in everything I do. My ‘why’ is that I wanted to be an Olympic champion. I refused to be complacent; I demanded excellence.” Senior field hockey and club ice hockey player Sophia Yates said she really took to heart Marvin’s take on how to motivate teammates. “As a captain of multiple teams here, I think about that a lot on how to motivate my team to want to give 100 percent,” said Yates. “(Marvin) talked about how each individual person has their own different way of motivating themselves. That has to come from within, but you have to work with each person and try to build up their confidence to create that inner motivation to do better. That was really interesting.” Five Fitchburg State club ice hockey skaters and one goaltender experienced a career-defining moment at the Wallace Civic Center, where Marvin led the squad through a skills and drills clinic during the afternoon. “(Marvin) has an energy that is contagious,” said senior field hockey and ice hockey player Sami Yates. “She got us and said, ‘are you guys ready to work?’ It was surreal to skate with her and with someone who loves ice hockey as much as we do. “I’ll remember this for the rest of my life,” said Sami Yates. “As it gets closer to closing my Fitchburg State career, I’m going to remember this and I can’t wait to tell everyone I know about it.” Sophia Yates said that skating with Marvin, doing one-one-one drills with her and learning different techniques is something she’ll remember for the rest of her life. Being a part of the She Soars initiative is also a life-changing moment. “This captures my little inner child,” said Sophia Yates. “I’ve grown up playing ice hockey and I’ve always wanted to be a strong athlete. I think that this goes to show that your dreams can come true and that you can become an athlete and you can do things greater than you ever thought that you were going to do.”

Recently, a new volume of educational research titled, “ The Impacts of Censorship - Volume 2: The Voices and Experiences of Classroom Teachers” was officially released. While publishing research is significant in any academic career, for the community at Fitchburg State University, the book represents something far more personal: the culmination of a four-year professional evolution between a professor and her student. Associate Professor of English Studies Katharine Covino serves as one of the volume’s editors. However, the heart of her contribution lies in a 12-page article she co-authored with Caitlin Moriarty, a 2025 Fitchburg State graduate. The piece, which began as an undergraduate Honors Thesis, has now transitioned into a peer-reviewed resource for English teachers nationwide. Their collaboration offers a rare glimpse into the power of academic mentorship, proving that the boundary between student and colleague is more fluid than many realize. The partnership between Covino and Moriarty did not begin with a research proposal, but with a series of shared experiences in the classroom. Over four years, Covino worked with Moriarty in nearly every capacity possible: as a professor in multiple courses, a practicum supervisor, and a mentor for Moriarty as a teaching intern in the First Year Experience (FYE) program. "I’ve always treated Caitlin like a master’s student," said Covino. "I think that holding high expectations, but providing support to students as they meet those expectations, is part of the job. All the time I’ve known her, I’ve challenged her, and she’s definitely ready for doctoral work." For Moriarty, who entered college as an "independent self-starter," the impact of having a seasoned professional recognize her potential early in her college career was transformative. "To have somebody who has been in the field who believes in you and is there for you is so valuable," said Moriarty. "Having a mentor is the most valuable part of going to college." When it came time for Moriarty to design her honors thesis, the duo chose to tackle one of the most contentious issues in modern American schooling: book censorship. As a scholar in the field and a longtime member of the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Committee Against Censorship, Covino saw an opportunity for Moriarty to contribute on-the-ground data to a field that was increasingly under pressure. "We designed the study and Caitlin carried out the research and collected the data," said Covino. "The field of censorship right now in many ways is a little bit bleak, but our findings were hopeful." While their initial lens was defensive—focusing on how teachers could protect themselves—the data led them to a more proactive conclusion. They discovered that the most effective way to navigate censorship was not through isolation, but through allyship. "The takeaway is that allyship is really important," said Covino. "Allyship with parents and community members, allyship with students, allyship with administrators. Allyship offers a way to navigate the challenges posed by censorship." The transition from a student project to a professional publication was catalyzed by a trip to the NCTE Annual Conference in Boston in November 2024. Presenting "Censorship and Allyship" to a room of veteran educators, Moriarty found herself no longer just a student, but a contributor to the national discourse. The reception was immediate. Members of the NCTE council, impressed by the rigor of the undergraduate research, invited Covino and Moriarty to contribute to a special volume. "There was immediate feedback from Dr. Covino that we needed to present it there, because it was so meaningful and such an opportunity," said Moriarty. "Once I was able to meet people who were interested in the issues of censorship on that committee, they informed us during that session that they would be interested in doing a special issue like this on censorship, including some of the research that was in there that day." The resulting 12-page published article provides English teachers with a model of hopeful action steps. It offers practical strategies for building community support around diverse literature. For Moriarty, seeing her name in print was "surreal." Now pursuing a master’s in Education for Pedagogy and Learning with a concentration in Teaching English as a Second Language, she finds the publication has already changed her professional trajectory. “This is not a thing you normally get to talk about. Now when I’m going into a job interview and meeting other teachers, it always kind of comes up without me even trying,” said Moriarty, who earned a bachelor’s in English for secondary education. “It’s immediately a point of interest. I’m so proud of the work that has come out of it.” Covino’s commitment to researching, presenting, and publishing with students—having previously worked with others like Natalie Chase, Hannah Britten, Matthew McCann, and current student Matthew Gill—is rooted in a philosophy of giving back. "I think mentorship is paying it forward," said Covino. "When Caitlin is a veteran teacher and there’s a new teacher who she has a relationship with, she’ll then take the initiative to be the mentor herself." As the volume recently hits the shelves of libraries and the desks of educators, it serves as a testament to the fact that some of the most impactful research comes from the collaborative bond between a dedicated professor and a student who was given the tools to lead. "English teachers everywhere will benefit from the work we did," said Covino. "And that is really gratifying."

Fitchburg State University’s Future Falcon Academy recently welcomed middle school students from Fitchburg and Leominster for an immersive four-day experience during school vacation that provided each student with a fun and meaningful introduction to university life. The students participated in highly-engaging workshops in areas such as science, literature, the arts, criminal justice, health, human services, and more. Additionally, the university hosts a Future Falcon Academy All-Stars Day in the summer, which is a special event that brings back participating students for a day of fun and celebration on campus. “The Future Falcon Academy is designed to introduce middle schoolers to the community and opportunities that Fitchburg State University offers,” said Fitchburg State University Coordinator of the Future Falcon Academy Lourdes Ramirez. “Whether it’s learning a new skill, bonding during game room fun, or speaking with our campus police and safety professionals, every activity is intentional. We want the middle school students to feel empowered to envision themselves in higher education and know that they belong here at Fitchburg State University.” The mission is simple: Empower, inspire, and transform. The Future Falcon Academy introduces middle schoolers to college life, while the Future Educator Academy supports high school students interested in education or people-centered careers through professional and skills development opportunities. Fitchburg State University’s Future Falcon Academy and Future Educator Academy are innovative pipeline programs that open doors for all youth—especially English language learners—to see themselves as future college students and inspiring educators. Through immersive on-campus experiences and mentorship rooted in culturally responsive practices, these academies empower young learners to build confidence, find community, and dream big about their futures in higher education and the classroom. “I think the university focuses on giving students the opportunity to pursue their degrees and experience what it's like to be here, to see the benefits it offers each of us, and to explore the different programs available,” said Longsjo Middle School in Fitchburg eighth-grader Jasmin Solorzano. “This allows us to choose our career path and pursue whatever we want. “The interests that each of us has shown have really caught our attention in the clubs, where each student uses their imagination to show others what they have to offer,” said Solorzano. “If we ever come to this university, we'll have the opportunity to create what the current students have experienced and to achieve what they have accomplished.” Jayce Crespo, a seventh-grade student at SkyView Middle School in Leominster, said that this was his first time stepping foot on campus. “It’s actually been really fun at Future Falcon Academy,” said Crespo. “When I walked up (to campus) I was surprised because I didn’t know there were that many buildings here and even down the street it’s still part of the university. I realized that it was huge.” Crespo, who plays football, basketball and baseball, enjoyed seeing the Rec Center and learning more about the Falcons’ athletic teams. But he really took to Friday’s session in the Hammond Hall’s Main Lounge that was centered around how dogs support people. “We got to learn the difference between therapy, service and emotional support animals,” said Crespo. “I love dogs.” Crespo said that once he eventually graduates from Leominster High School, he really wants to continue his education at Fitchburg State. “I would be really excited to go here because I heard that all the programs give students a high chance to go and become whatever they like,” said Crespo. “Some kids have become biologists, basketball stars and football stars. I feel like if I was going to go here I would feel like it would be a great opportunity for me to become something that I never thought that I would become.”

Fitchburg State University students continued their streak of success at the recent University Resident Theater Association’s annual auditions. Five Fitchburg State University students—Emerson Disalle, Spencer Froilin, Kyra Galbreath, Lina Kherallah, and Lyanny Pinales—shone at the auditions for international satellite graduate schools and elite professional training programs. “The auditions were online and streamed which makes it very nerve-wracking for the students,” said Fitchburg State Professor Kelly Morgan of the Communications Media Department. “They only have two minutes to show two dramatic selections, which include a transition and between the two. They rehearse long hours over many days and weeks to prepare for these University Resident Theater Auditions and Guest Satellite Auditions, which are done at the same time and seen by over 50 graduate schools, professional actor training programs and professional regional resident theater companies.” For the URTA auditions, Kherallah’s two contrasting monologues were “Just a Crack” by Joseph Arnone and “In the Time of your Life” by William Saroyan. “These two monologues felt great to perform because they spoke to me and I knew I could perform them well to convey my message to the recruiters watching,” said Kherallah, a Fitchburg resident who graduated with a bachelor's in business administration with a theater minor in December 2025. “The experience went well.” As a cohort, said Morgan, the factors that each one of the students conveyed to attract attention from these very prestigious schools and companies include: authenticity, diverse set of emotions, comic sense and timing, classical text analysis, nuance, contrasting audition selection, a talent for film and stage performance, focus, imagining the other when talking into the camera, and personalizing the text. “We are the best kept secret for anyone wanting training in performance and technical theater in New England and New York, so they would obtain work and achieve career success as our students have been doing for decades,” said Morgan. This year’s success marks the 11th consecutive year that every auditioning Falcon has been invited back for further consideration by world-renowned institutions. “They are vetted by the acting faculty to ensure that they are qualified to represent not only themselves but the university,” said Morgan. “Their personal brand, and our university brand must be upheld. The Communications Media Department is a professional department and so all of its concentrations are professional, as well. Education, training and application are crucial for success. These students display the absorption of content in these areas and are ready for advancement.” Morgan said that as a faculty, they are all extremely proud of these students. “It is important to know that they have done the work,” said Morgan. Kherallah said that being trained by her “incredible” professors at Fitchburg State, including Morgan, prepared her for this very moment. “Kelly has been there for me since the very beginning of my acting career at Fitchburg State,” said Kherallah. “He pushes us students to be the best we can be as both professionals and as people. I did not walk into that audition just feeling confident in my acting abilities, but feeling completely prepared as a professional. They can recognize who is determined and ready to work. I feel so fortunate to have completed these URTA auditions and been so prepared with my performance because the professors at Fitchburg State, like Kelly, have prepared us to stand out as professional artists, ready to take on graduate school.” The 2026 cohort of students now faces the enviable challenge of choosing between some of the most prestigious theater programs in the world. Their call-backs span the globe, from the historic studios of New York City to elite conservatories in London and Liverpool. “It’s overwhelming to say the least,” said Kherallah. “The auditions were just the start and the callbacks were validation of our hard work. After our callback meetings, we have a little bit of a leg up when we apply to these graduate schools and training programs.” As these students prepare to graduate, they leave behind a legacy that reaffirms Fitchburg State’s position as a premier destination for theater training. The 100 percent call-back rate serves as a "seal of quality" for recruiters, who now look to Fitchburg State for the next generation of disciplined, versatile, and highly skilled performers. “Our Communications Media faculty, and faculty across the campus, have had wonderful influence on these student actors by presenting their content with passion, depth and application to life,” said Morgan. “Theater reflects life and when faculty present the truthful application of their ‘art’ in such a manner, then these actors reflect the lessons learned in the characters they present.” Kherallah recommends any high school student to consider the theater program at Fitchburg State. “If you are determined to become an artist, not just an actor, the Fitchburg State theater program is a reliable and motivating source for your future,” said Kherallah. “You have a small group so your professors can spend time with you. The professors like Kelly Morgan and Mary Vreeland are seasoned and extremely talented artists who now focus their expertise to bring out the best in their students. I have never met professors who care so much about their students. They go above and beyond to push us and make what is uncomfortable, something we strive to overcome. Obstacles become opportunities and insecurities become assets. These professors will completely transform you as an artist, and change you as a person.” 2026 American College Theater Festival Students received more awards recently at the 2026 American College Theater Festival in Albany, N.Y. The students honored include: Jaylis Lopez (Irene Ryan Acting Award/ Best Scene Partner out of 283), Julia Dufresne (Outstanding Performance in the National Playwriting Program), Thomas Meehan (Outstanding Supporting Performance in the National Playwriting Program), Ryan Barker (Runner-up, National Stage Directors and Choreographers Program), Lina Kherallah (Irene Ryan Acting Award Finalist - Top 16 out of 283 participants), James Cremens (Theatre Journalism/Advocacy Finalist), Emerson Disalle and Noah Barnes (Invited Scene Showcase, STOP KISS), Burke Erickson (2nd Place in the Technical Olympics), Adam Post (3rd Place in the Technical Olympics), Vivian Warren (Merit Award for Stage Management), Nicolas Salamack (Merit Award for Production Leadership), Ryan Barker (Merit Award for Directorial Assistance), Alyssa Brayley (Merit Award for Costume Design), and Alyssa Brayley (Merit Award for Properties Design).

The revitalization of Fitchburg’s downtown corridor will accelerate with the announcement of Fitchburg State University’s alliance with prominent developer GFI Partners to realize a transformative, mixed-use development in the heart of the city. The plans are attracting endorsements from city, state, and federal leaders who see their transformative potential. Ground will be broken this spring on the 707 Main St. project that will revitalize the city center and address a crucial community need. New construction of multi-family, market-rate housing, along with retail and restaurant space, will be built where a long-vacant and deteriorating theater block now stands. The resulting building will support the city’s need for additional housing stock, and will include parking spaces dedicated for city use. “Downtown Fitchburg is not separate from Fitchburg State University. Our students walk these streets. Our employees live here. Our graduates build their lives here,” said President Hodge. “For nearly a decade, this block has represented both possibility and challenge. After careful review of the building’s condition, construction costs, and current market realities, it became clear that the most responsible path forward was one that directly addresses housing demand and sustained economic activity. “This partnership brings meaningful private investment into the heart of the city while advancing a shared goal: more residents downtown, more storefront vitality, and a stronger regional economy,” she continued. “When Main Street is active and growing, it benefits our students, our workforce, and our entire campus community.” GFI Partners is a real estate development firm with more than 30 years of experience. As a fully-integrated firm, the company works with tenants to find their ideal commercial real estate space, from concept to completion and beyond. Its property portfolio contains more than 20 million square feet of commercial properties across the United States. The company recently announced significant developments in the city of Worcester, including a major housing project near Polar Park. The project is being supported by city, state and federal officials who recognize the key community needs being addressed. "This initiative revitalizing Fitchburg's downtown is going to be a huge win for the local economy and for Fitchburg State University's ability to recruit and retain the best talent,” said Gov. Maura Healey. “Downtowns are essential for promoting small businesses growth, providing spaces for community to gather, and giving residents a lively and central place to live. We're grateful to Fitchburg State University for using this available space to build more housing, which will help us lower costs for people across the region." "Investments in downtowns like these are essential for increasing the quality of life in Gateway Cities," said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. "As a former mayor of a Gateway City, I know how important it is to have a downtown that fuels our local economy. This investment from Fitchburg State will provide reasonably-priced housing for our workforce, encourage housing growth, and bring a new energy to Fitchburg." “The redevelopment of the former Fitchburg Theater builds on the incredible momentum already underway in downtown Fitchburg,” said Ed Augustus, Secretary of the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities. “When I toured the site last spring, it was clear there is real energy and commitment behind this effort. Putting more people living downtown brings life to Main Street, supports local businesses and helps keep the district active beyond the workday.” “Redeveloping this long-vacant property on Main Street has been a priority for years because of what it means for Fitchburg’s future,” said Congresswoman Lori Trahan. “I have been proud to support efforts at the federal level to help move this project forward and unlock new housing, small business opportunities, and economic momentum in the heart of the city. This partnership between Fitchburg State University, the City of Fitchburg, and GFI Partners represents exactly the kind of collaboration that strengthens our Gateway Cities and revitalizes downtown corridors. I am grateful to President Hodge, Mayor Samantha Squailia, and our partners across all levels of government for their shared commitment to bringing new life and opportunity to downtown Fitchburg.” “This project represents a historic investment to build housing for working families, revitalize Fitchburg, and further transform Main Street into a vibrant regional economic corridor and hub,” said State Sen. John Cronin. “Today’s agreement also shows the power of teamwork and public-private partnerships—how local, state, and federal leaders working together with the private sector has changed the trajectory of our city’s future. I am especially grateful to President Donna Hodge and her team at Fitchburg State for their commitment to move both the city and the university forward.” “This project pairs the primary needs of our downtown by combining housing, commercial expansion and underutilized property development,” said State Rep. Michael Kushmerek. “After nearly three decades of stagnation, the theater block’s revitalization represents among the largest investments in Fitchburg’s Main Street this century and serves as a catalyst for the continued transformation of our city center.” “Fitchburg’s needs today are clear: we need more downtown housing development, more commercial storefront opportunity, and increased investment that supports our thriving city center," Fitchburg Mayor Samantha Squailia said. "This redevelopment will bring new life to a prominent and long underutilized site, creating new homes, new commercial space, and expanded parking spaces, contributing to our growing momentum that puts more heads in beds and more feet on our Main street. I appreciate Fitchburg State University’s continued partnership and the town and gown collaboration that keeps our forward progress moving. Because when the city, the university, and private partners work together, we get difficult projects done. More downtown apartments will also support the commercial investments already taking root on Main Street and throughout the district, helping those businesses succeed year round as our downtown continues to grow." "This project will add much-needed housing units to the city's downtown housing inventory, in turn promoting economic activity and neighborhood revitalization," said Marc Dohan of NewVue Communities. "The project builds upon the work that NewVue and its development partners have been pursuing for years, and will strengthen the city and region. We appreciate the vision that Fitchburg State and GFI Partners have articulated with this plan, and join our city, state and federal partners in welcoming another transformative project to Main Street." “There is strong momentum building in Fitchburg for a revitalized downtown area,” said Steve Goodman of GFI Partners. “GFI is excited to work with our state and federal leaders, the city, and President Hodge and the University, to redevelop the Theater Block parcels with a new mixed-use project, and continue our commitment to Fitchburg’s growth and resurgence.” The Fitchburg State University Foundation purchased the former Fitchburg Theater in 2016. Substantial renovation followed, including the construction of studio space for its game design program, and the activation of storefronts since occupied by the Pauper’s Pantry restaurant and the Gallery Marquee artist exhibition space. The university relocated the game design studio this past fall and is assisting in the relocation of the gallery and Pauper’s Pantry, who were notified at the inception of their leases that their spaces would have to be vacated once the next phase of work on the block was ready to launch. “We committed to working with our tenants to find new quarters in the city, and thank them for demonstrating the viability of downtown Fitchburg as a destination for recreation and leisure,” said President Hodge. The original plans had attracted local, state and federal support for the project’s potential to transform downtown Fitchburg. Those dollars will still apply to the reimagined development, as the revitalized corridor will still result. The former theater closed its doors in 1987. While the university’s original plans called for the renovation of the theater into a modern performing arts venue, a variety of factors in the intervening years made those aspirations untenable. “Between soaring cost estimates, changing theatergoing habits since the pandemic, the evolving needs of the university and competing demands on its resources, the vision from 2016 is simply no longer viable,” said President Hodge, who became Fitchburg State’s 12th president in July 2024. “The new plan represents a significant private investment that will inject new vitality into this city. We are honored to be part of moving Fitchburg forward.” About Fitchburg State University 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. About GFI Partners GFI Partners is a tried and tested real estate development partner with more than 30 years of experience. As a fully-integrated firm, they work with tenants to find their ideal commercial real estate space, from concept to completion and beyond. Its property portfolio contains more than 20 million square feet of commercial properties across the United States.