Fitchburg State University’s Center for Italian Culture invites the campus community and the general public to celebrate Italian American Heritage Month with an unforgettable evening of music and culinary traditions on Saturday, Oct. 24, in the Falcon Pub in Hammond Hall, 160 Pearl St. Doors open at 5 p.m. with the performance beginning at 7 p.m. The special celebration features smooth-voiced entertainer Jimmy Mazz, a seasoned performer with more than 40 years of experience headlining at premier venues across the country, including the Superstar Theater in Atlantic City. Mazz will bring his dynamic stage presence to campus for a live musical tribute highlighting iconic classics made famous by beloved Italian American artists across generations. Tickets for the event are $50 per person, which includes full access to the performance and catering. Due to venue capacity, seating is strictly limited, and advance registration is strongly encouraged. Guests can reserve their seats today through the university’s online payment portal. For more information go to fitchburgstate.edu/cic In addition to live entertainment, guests will enjoy a curated menu of traditional cicchetti — authentic Italian-style appetizers — specially catered by Fitchburg State’s Dining Services. The event is open to students, faculty, staff, alumni, and local community members. A variety of fine Italian wines and beers will be available for purchase at the Falcon Pub bar for attendees who are 21 and older with valid identification.

The Music Mega-Mix, Fitchburg State University’s showcase of bite-sized performances by its Community Orchestra, Concert Band, Chamber Choir, Concert Choir, Falcon Drumline and Modern Jazz Ensemble will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20 in Weston Auditorium, 353 North St. Admission is free and open to the public. The ensembles consist of students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members. The Community Orchestra is conducted by Professor Hildur Schilling. Associate Professor Jonathan Harvey conducts the Chamber Choir and Concert Choir, and the Concert Band and Modern Band are conducted by Associate Professor Amy McGlothlin. Learn more about the university's music offerings at fitchburgstate.edu/music.

Fitchburg State University will launch a new bachelor’s degree in finance in 2027, combining rigorous financial and economic theory with hands-on, project-based learning. The new major was approved Tuesday, Sept. 29 by the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education. The new program will prepare graduates for high-earning roles across the financial sector, including market analysis, corporate finance, and financial advising. "This is the kind of academic change that makes me excited about Fitchburg State's future," said University President Donna Hodge. "North Central Massachusetts needs a higher education ecosystem that connects local students to affordable degrees and employers to the talent they need. A finance major strengthens that connection. Our economics and business faculty have built a rigorous, applied program on the courses and expertise already here, making wise use of our resources while giving students a degree with clear value in the Massachusetts economy. I'm grateful to Acting Provost Franca Barricelli, the faculty who developed this major, and the Board of Higher Education for its support. Their work makes Fitchburg State a stronger choice for students and a more responsive partner to our region." The new program, approved by the university’s Board of Trustees earlier this year, will be housed in the university’s Economics, History and Political Science Department, and was developed by faculty in that department in collaboration with the Business Administration Department. Acting Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Franca Barricelli said the program’s interdisciplinary foundation will be one of its strengths. "Modern finance demands more than technical fluency — it requires an understanding of how economic policies, political changes, and cultural shifts deeply influence global markets and financial decisions,” she said. “Our curriculum equips students to integrate quantitative thinking with these broader insights, empowering them to act thoughtfully in a rapidly evolving global economy." The 42-credit major will be composed of courses offered in the university’s economics and business programs, along with new courses in investment analysis, financial statement analysis, and corporate finance. The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the financial sector will create over 900,000 jobs per year over the next 10-year period, exceeding average industry growth in the U.S. Jobs in the finance sector also tend to be well paid, with the average finance major earning $60,000 with a bachelor's degree directly out of college, according to Glassdoor. “Through hands-on coursework utilizing analysis, experiential learning, and other active learning strategies, our students gain the exact technical and critical-thinking skills demanded by employers,” said Professor Christa Marr of the Economics, History and Political Science Department, and one of the designers of the new major. “Whether they aspire to work in corporate finance, investment analysis, or risk assessment, students will graduate fully prepared to excel from day one.” Professor Andrew Chan of the Business Administration Department said students will benefit from the program’s commitment to support and community connection. “From personalized faculty advising and first-year retention workshops to strategic community partnerships and internships with regional financial institutions, we want every student to feel a true sense of belonging and see a clear, attainable pathway to a successful professional future,” he said. Learn more about the new bachelor’s degree in finance.

The Fitchburg State University Humanities Department presents its second exhibition of the academic year, featuring artist Bill Porter. The exhibition, titled “What We Learn to Believe” is on display through December 20 at the Hammond Art Gallery, located in Hammond Hall, 160 Pearl Street. There will be an opening reception at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29 at the gallery. The exhibit starts on Monday, Oct. 26. Admission is free and open to the public. Porter is a research-driven, multidisciplinary artist working primarily in painting, installation, sound, and time-based media. His work critically examines how inherited stories, cultural assumptions, and societal narratives acquire authority and shape our understanding of truth. Drawing heavily from his personal background, Porter brings his Irish immigrant father’s stories of Christianity and rural Donegal into dialogue with the cartoons, comics, and picture books of his American childhood — recontextualizing these familiar materials to explore the space between personal memory and collective belief. As a blind artist with low vision, Porter centers his lived experience and engagement with the broader blind and low vision community to interrogate the cultural construction of disability. His practice challenges the systems that reinforce ableist assumptions, questioning who holds the authority to define accessibility, perception, and narrative. By blending humor with rigorous inquiry, Porter invites audiences to reexamine the stories they inherit, the hidden biases within them, and what they ultimately choose to accept as self-evident.

Fitchburg State University is well-represented again in the upcoming cohort of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce’s Community Leadership Institute (CLI). Manager of Advancement Operations & Foundation Relations Karina Calvo of the Office of Institutional Advancement, Director of Student Belonging Krysta Lopez-Acevedo of the Center for Diversity and Inclusiveness, and Assistant Director Eliezer Rivera of the Admissions Department will start the nine-month program in October. “Each of these individuals brings talent, curiosity, and a strong commitment to service in their work at Fitchburg State," said Fitchburg State University President Donna Hodge. "I am delighted they have this opportunity to refine their leadership, build professional networks, and represent the university across the region, bringing what they learn back to enrich our campus community." Calvo, who was recently promoted to a management role within Fitchburg State’s Advancement office says she views the Community Leadership Institute as an opportunity to refine her leadership capabilities and exchange management strategies with peers. “I also aim to build meaningful relationships with regional civic and business leaders, deepening the university’s community integration so Fitchburg State serves not as an isolated institution, but as an accessible, collaborative anchor where true partnership happens,” she said. Lopez-Acevedo said that she’s grateful for the opportunity and it’s an honor to be nominated by the President’s Office. “I’m beyond grateful to our leadership for their unconditional support, dedication, and commitment to investing in me as a person, as a young professional, and in my future,” said Lopez. “I’m looking forward to the 9-month immersive CLI experience and proudly representing Fitchburg State University.” Driven by a lifelong connection to his hometown and a commitment to local progress, Rivera reflected on what joining this cohort truly means. “Growing up a Fitchburg kid, I always knew part of my purpose was to help shape, impact and become part of the change I wanted to see in my community at a young age,” said Rivera. “To not just want to be part of the change, but also inspire the next generation to do the same. Being a part of this program allows me to be part of the real tangible strategies, connect with impactful people in our very own community, and be part of a movement that can bring real change and improvement to this community. I am truly honored to be part of this cohort. No matter where I go, I have always represented Fitchburg and North Central Massachusetts with a badge of honor because I know there is something special about it. I truly believe there is no better time to be a part of this movement like the present.” The CLI offers a unique 9-month immersive experience designed to develop the next generation of leaders who will shape our region’s future. Through hands-on learning, exclusive access to regional leaders, and collaborative community projects, CLI participants gain the skills, connections, and insights needed to lead effectively in today’s technology and knowledge-driven economy. The CLI program runs from October to June each year, featuring day-long sessions each month that cover personal leadership development (October), non-profit governance (November), education (December), media & crisis communications (January), healthcare, law & justice (February), arts & culture (March), legislation (April), manufacturing & economic development (May), and debrief & commencement (June). Last year, Associate Director for Internship Coordination and Employer Relations Susan Beddes of the university’s Career Services and Advising Center and Director for Care and Case Management Joe Flanagan completed the program.