Future Falcon Academy welcomes local students to campus
The mission is simple: Empower, inspire and transform. Fitchburg State University’s Future Falcon Academy recently welcomed middle school students from Fitchburg, Leominster, Ayer/Shirley and Gardner for the Future Falcon Academy All Stars Summer 2025 event. This immersive full-day experience provided each student with a fun and meaningful introduction to university life. Students participated in a variety of engaging activities, including a self-defense workshop, a "walk and talk" session, and recreational time in the game room. The day also featured lunch at the Holmes Dining Commons, an interactive session exploring emergency and service vehicles up close at the Fitchburg State University Police Department, and an Upward Bound showcase to celebrate the talents and efforts of those talented participants. “The Future Falcon Academy is designed to introduce middle schoolers to the community and opportunities that Fitchburg State University offers,” Fitchburg State University Coordinator of the Future Falcon Academy Lourdes Ramirez said. “Whether it’s learning a new skill in the self-defense workshop, 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.” Ramirez says that events like these are all about creating positive, welcoming experiences that build confidence and can be the spark that drives a student to pursue their goals. “Exposure is everything,” Ramirez said. “For many students, especially first-generation college-bound youth, just stepping onto a college campus can shift their mindset. When they get to walk through the quad, eat in the dining hall, or meet professionals from educators to campus police, it makes the idea of college more tangible and real. We’re not just saying college is possible, we’re showing them what it looks like and, more importantly, what it feels like.” University Police Chief Michael Cloutier describes a commitment to fostering strong, foundational relationships between his officers and students, embracing every opportunity to engage with students. These interactions, he said, are crucial for building trust and open communication. “Our ongoing collaboration with Fitchburg State University's Future Falcon Academy is invaluable,” Cloutier said. “It's not just about fostering professional partnerships; it's a real opportunity to build positive relationships and trust with middle school children, shaping a safer and more connected future for everyone involved. I would like to thank our city partners – the Fitchburg Police and Fitchburg Fire departments – for their participation, as well as our university colleagues in the School of Education and Capital Planning and Maintenance.” The students said they loved the experience of being on campus and attending the Future Falcon Academy. “It’s a really nice place to be; it’s very calming and the classrooms are a really nice size,” said soon-to-be Leominster High ninth grader Gabrielle Ellis. “Everything just works together.” “Fitchburg State is really nice and I’m going to try to come here when I’m older,” said Longsjo Middle School eighth grader Enzo Nunez. In the self-defense workshop, instructed by owner Tonya Peters of Force Defense & Fitness of Holden, students gained knowledge, skills, and mindset to protect themselves in potentially dangerous situations. “I like self-defense because it teaches you how to protect yourself in future situations,” Ellis said. Angel Marroquin, a seventh grader at Sky View Middle School in Leominster, said he enjoyed playing billiards and Nintendo with his friends in the game room. Nunez enjoyed the Touch-a-Truck event in the parking lot of the police station. “I was excited to see what the fire trucks looked like on the inside, and what the police cars looked like,” he said. Fitchburg State University’s Future Falcon Academy and Future Educator Academy are innovative pipeline programs that open doors for underrepresented 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. These programs are designed to: provide early access and hands-on experiences, foster identity and belonging, build clear pathways to higher education, grow a diverse educator workforce and champion culturally responsive learning.
The mission is simple: Empower, inspire and transform.
Fitchburg State University’s Future Falcon Academy recently welcomed middle school students from Fitchburg, Leominster, Ayer/Shirley and Gardner for the Future Falcon Academy All Stars Summer 2025 event.
This immersive full-day experience provided each student with a fun and meaningful introduction to university life. Students participated in a variety of engaging activities, including a self-defense workshop, a "walk and talk" session, and recreational time in the game room. The day also featured lunch at the Holmes Dining Commons, an interactive session exploring emergency and service vehicles up close at the Fitchburg State University Police Department, and an Upward Bound showcase to celebrate the talents and efforts of those talented participants.
“The Future Falcon Academy is designed to introduce middle schoolers to the community and opportunities that Fitchburg State University offers,” Fitchburg State University Coordinator of the Future Falcon Academy Lourdes Ramirez said. “Whether it’s learning a new skill in the self-defense workshop, 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.”
Ramirez says that events like these are all about creating positive, welcoming experiences that build confidence and can be the spark that drives a student to pursue their goals.
“Exposure is everything,” Ramirez said. “For many students, especially first-generation college-bound youth, just stepping onto a college campus can shift their mindset. When they get to walk through the quad, eat in the dining hall, or meet professionals from educators to campus police, it makes the idea of college more tangible and real. We’re not just saying college is possible, we’re showing them what it looks like and, more importantly, what it feels like.”
University Police Chief Michael Cloutier describes a commitment to fostering strong, foundational relationships between his officers and students, embracing every opportunity to engage with students. These interactions, he said, are crucial for building trust and open communication.
“Our ongoing collaboration with Fitchburg State University's Future Falcon Academy is invaluable,” Cloutier said. “It's not just about fostering professional partnerships; it's a real opportunity to build positive relationships and trust with middle school children, shaping a safer and more connected future for everyone involved. I would like to thank our city partners – the Fitchburg Police and Fitchburg Fire departments – for their participation, as well as our university colleagues in the School of Education and Capital Planning and Maintenance.”
The students said they loved the experience of being on campus and attending the Future Falcon Academy.
“It’s a really nice place to be; it’s very calming and the classrooms are a really nice size,” said soon-to-be Leominster High ninth grader Gabrielle Ellis. “Everything just works together.”
“Fitchburg State is really nice and I’m going to try to come here when I’m older,” said Longsjo Middle School eighth grader Enzo Nunez.
In the self-defense workshop, instructed by owner Tonya Peters of Force Defense & Fitness of Holden, students gained knowledge, skills, and mindset to protect themselves in potentially dangerous situations.
“I like self-defense because it teaches you how to protect yourself in future situations,” Ellis said.
Angel Marroquin, a seventh grader at Sky View Middle School in Leominster, said he enjoyed playing billiards and Nintendo with his friends in the game room.
Nunez enjoyed the Touch-a-Truck event in the parking lot of the police station.
“I was excited to see what the fire trucks looked like on the inside, and what the police cars looked like,” he said.
Fitchburg State University’s Future Falcon Academy and Future Educator Academy are innovative pipeline programs that open doors for underrepresented 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.
These programs are designed to: provide early access and hands-on experiences, foster identity and belonging, build clear pathways to higher education, grow a diverse educator workforce and champion culturally responsive learning.
- Summer Series Launches July 10Fitchburg State University is opening its campus to the public for its inaugural Summer Series, a month-long lineup of free, family-friendly events designed to bring joy, connection, and creativity to the heart of the city. Kicking off Thursday, July 10 at 8 p.m. with a screening of Disney Pixar’s beloved animated film Cars, the series will continue every Thursday through July 31, featuring music, games, a pet-themed craft market, and more—all hosted on the university’s picturesque main quad. “Fitchburg State belongs to this city. We are proud to be a community partner, and this series is our way of inviting our neighbors to make the most of this beautiful shared space,” said University President Donna Hodge. “Whether you’re here for a movie, live music, or a laugh with friends over bingo and trivia, we want you to feel at home. This campus is yours, too.” Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and picnic-style snacks. Light refreshments will also be available for purchase. In the event of rain, events will move indoors to the main lounge in Hammond Hall. Fitchburg State Summer Series Schedule: Thursday, July 10 – Outdoor Movie: Disney Pixar’s Cars (8:00 p.m.) Thursday, July 17 – A Night of Music featuring The James Germana Band (5:30 p.m.) Thursday, July 24 – Pet Crafters Market: Shop local vendors with a love for furry friends (5:30 p.m.) Thursday, July 31 – Bingo & Trivia Night: A community game night under the stars (5:30 p.m.) For more information or weather updates, visit fitchburgstate.edu/events.
- Dean's and President's Lists announced for Spring 2025Fitchburg State President Donna Hodge has announced the students who qualified for inclusion on the Dean’s List and President's List for the Spring 2025 semester. A student is placed on the Dean’s List for the semester if an average grade of 3.20 or better is attained, and the student is attending the university full time. View the Spring 2025 Dean's List. The President’s List honors students for consistently high academic achievement. A student is named to the list after achieving a 3.75 average in each of three successive semesters. View the Spring 2025 President's List.
- Fitchburg State, Rhine-Waal campuses renew partnershipFitchburg State University has renewed its longstanding partnership with Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences (HSRW) in Kleve, Germany, through a newly signed international exchange agreement that will expand academic and cultural opportunities for students and faculty at both institutions. A delegation from the university also traveled to the University of Warsaw in Poland to formalize a new exchange agreement with that institution, the largest institution of higher education in the country. The Rhine-Waal agreement was signed in May at a formal ceremony on the HSRW campus, with both university presidents—Dr. Donna Hodge of Fitchburg State and Prof. Dr. Oliver Locker-Grütjen of Rhine-Waal—affirming a shared commitment to international engagement and student-centered collaboration. This year’s signing marks a significant milestone in the relationship between the two institutions, which began in 2011 under President Robert Antonucci as part of the long-standing Fitchburg–Kleve Sister City initiative. Under President Hodge’s leadership, the 2025 visit brought together, for the first time, a united delegation of university, legislative, and city leadership in Kleve—underscoring a bold new era of regional-global partnership. “This is about more than international study—it’s about forging shared purpose across borders,” said President Hodge. “Now more than ever, we are called to build bridges that connect our students to a larger world, our communities to new opportunities, and our campuses to global networks of learning and leadership. I am deeply grateful to our hosts in Kleve for their warmth, and excited for the future this partnership makes possible.” The renewed agreement outlines a range of student and faculty opportunities, including short- and long-term exchanges, co-taught courses, joint research, and collaborative programming. Students from either institution will be able to study at the partner university for up to a full academic year, paying the same tuition they would at home—with all credits fully transferable. Rhine-Waal President Oliver Locker-Grütjen emphasized the importance of the partnership. “We are very proud of the collaboration between our two institutions. This is not just a symbolic partnership; it has translated into real academic exchanges and joint projects. It’s a perfect example of how international cooperation in higher education can work effectively.” The Fitchburg State University delegation included Fitchburg Mayor Samantha Squailia, State Representative Michael Kushmerek—chair of the Massachusetts Legislature’s Polish-American Caucus and two-time alumnus of Fitchburg State—Chief of Staff Matthew Bruun, and Student Government Association President Michael Burns. The delegation departed days after Fitchburg State’s Spring commencement ceremonies, where the first shared degree recipient crossed the stage. Paras Kumar of Straelen, Germany, completed a Bachelor of Science degree in economics from Fitchburg State, as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Business Administration from Rhine-Waal. The visit also coincided with Fitchburg State Professor Joshua Spero’s Europe study abroad course, in which nine Fitchburg State students traveled through the Netherlands, Germany, and Poland. During their time in Kleve, students from both universities shared academic and cultural experiences on and off campus. The visit culminated in a community reception hosted by Kleve’s Sister City Committee, bringing together academic and civic leaders from across the region. “This trip reflects the power of public higher education to connect people, places, and purpose,” Hodge said. “It marks the beginning of a deeper, more intentional global presence for Fitchburg State—and we are just getting started.” About Fitchburg State University Founded in 1894, Fitchburg State University is a regional public institution dedicated to integrating high-quality professional programs with a strong liberal arts foundation. The university serves approximately 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students with more than 30 undergraduate and 22 graduate degree programs. Fitchburg State is proud to serve as a center of educational excellence, economic development, and civic engagement in North Central Massachusetts and beyond. About Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences, with campus locations in Kleve and Kamp-Lintfort, Germany, enrolls 6,200 students representing more than 120 different nationalities. The university offers 26 bachelor’s and 11 master’s degree programs spanning engineering, technology, economics as well as social, natural and health sciences. The majority of its degree programs are taught in English. The university was founded in 2009. About the University of Warsaw Founded in 1816, the University of Warsaw is the largest university in Poland and regarded as the best research center in the country. Nearly 40 000 students and doctoral candidates are educated in its organizational structures. The high quality of teaching is reflected in the results of rankings that place the university among the top 3% of universities in the world.
- Dean of Students tapped for AASCU leadership instituteFitchburg State University Dean of Students Tim St. John has been selected to participate in the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU)’s prestigious Emerging Leadership Program in Washington, D.C. The Emerging Leadership Program ( ELP) is designed for academic and administrative professionals to gain a greater appreciation of the Academy, and build the skills and mindset to lead campus initiatives and advance to more senior leadership roles. Participants graduate with skills, connections, and support necessary to navigate the transition to higher administrative roles. During the course of the program, participants will assess their individual leadership style and strengths and apply the skills learned in the instructional portion of the program to a project/initiative on their home campus over the course of the academic year. “Tim St. John has been a trusted partner during an important period of transition at Fitchburg State, and his leadership continues to elevate the student experience in meaningful ways,” said Fitchburg State President Donna Hodge. “As someone who deeply values the impact of AASCU’s leadership development programs, I know this experience will not only strengthen Tim’s work but also further our efforts to build a more inclusive, engaged, and student-ready campus. I’m incredibly proud that Tim will represent Fitchburg State among a national cohort of changemakers.” “I am deeply honored to have been selected for this prestigious program,” St. John said. “I’m incredibly grateful to President Hodge for encouraging me to apply and for her unwavering support of my professional growth and development. Participating in ELP will deepen my understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities facing public higher education today, while strengthening my leadership skills to meet this critical moment. I am especially excited to connect with fellow program participants and esteemed faculty. I look forward to applying the insights and skills gained through ELP in meaningful ways to impact both my work and leadership at Fitchburg State - always in service to our incredible students.” St. John said he will be looking to develop his knowledge base and strategic thinking about specialized populations on the Fitchburg State campus, including online students, adult learners, veterans, and students who are parents. The AASCU experience will also include the development of a campus-based project, in which St. John will work on leading a coalition of campus colleagues to support a sense of belonging and engagement for online students. St. John joined the Fitchburg State campus in January 2024 and has functioned as chief student affairs officer since May 2025. His higher education experience includes service at Clark University and the University of New England.
- Faculty member honored for commitment to open educational resourcesFitchburg State University faculty member J.J. Sylvia IV was recognized by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education this month for his commitment to open educational resources. Sylvia, an associate professor in the university’s Communications Media Department, received the Gold Award from the Open Educational Resources ( OER) Advisory Council on May 19. “I am honored and humbled by this recognition,” Sylvia said. “I truly appreciate all of the support we've had on campus for OER, especially from Connie Strittmatter and Jackie Kremer of the Amelia V. Gallucci-Cirio Library, and I am thrilled to follow in the footsteps of Professor Kisha Tracy and her fantastic work in OER.” Sylvia has so far authored two books in the OER series: Introduction to Communication and Media Studies, and The Data Renaissance: Analyzing the Disciplinary Effects of Big Data, Artificial Intelligence and Beyond. Each is available to be downloaded and shared at no cost. With other faculty from Fitchburg State and other public institutions, Sylvia has embraced the Department of Higher Education’s OER ambitions. “I’m incredibly proud of Professor Sylvia and the recognition he’s earned for advancing open educational resources,” said Fitchburg State University President Donna Hodge. “This award not only honors his innovative scholarship, but also reflects the shared commitment of our faculty and librarians to access, equity, and educational justice. At Fitchburg State, we believe learning should be open and opportunity should be real—and our leadership in OER is helping make that vision a reality.” Sylvia’s work with OER includes leading an on-campus Community of Practice that explored OER and artificial intelligence (AI), and he was also awarded a Fellowship through the University of Virginia for OER and AI resource curation. Along with fellow faculty member Danielle Wigmore of the Exercise and Sports Science Department, he presented on the topic at the AAC&U Digital Innovation Forum in Puerto Rico in April. The OER volumes were published through the state’s Remixing Open Textbooks through an Equity Lens ( ROTEL) project, which promotes textbook affordability, student success, and inclusion and equity to benefit all students, particularly those from minoritized populations. The project provided stipends for faculty to remix and/or develop accessible, intentionally inclusive open textbooks that reflect students’ local and lived experiences. The ROTEL project has supported the production of 27 books across six institutions, 10 of which were published by Fitchburg State faculty. To learn more about the project, or to download any of the volumes for free, visit rotel.pressbooks.pub.
- University holds 129th commencement exercisesFitchburg State University held its 129th commencement exercises last week, celebrating nearly 900 graduate and undergraduate students who completed their degrees. (View photos from the ceremony on the Burg Blog.) Acclaimed author, illustrator and entrepreneur Peter H. Reynolds, himself a 1983 Fitchburg State graduate, delivered the commencement address at the undergraduate ceremony on Saturday, May 17. “Each of you has stars to guide you,” he said. “Think about your degree - which represents your interests, your talents, your passions, your dreams - and now imagine that each of those is a star forming a shimmering constellation. Now, add to it: your mentors, your friends and family. Each is a star in your unique guiding constellation. “I hope that you will consider me as another star in your constellation … a fellow alum, a friend on your journey. Just open one of my books, and I’ll be there for you.” Reynolds’ beloved best-selling books, which include The Dot, Ish, The Word Collector, and graduation-favorite Be You, have inspired millions to embrace their creativity and believe in their potential. He has also collaborated as illustrator on the acclaimed Judy Moody series, and with rock and roll legend Yusuf/Cat Stevens on the #1 best-selling Peace Train book. As the founder of FableVision, an educational media company dedicated to fostering creativity and learning, Reynolds continues to shape young minds and empower educators worldwide. “So, my friends, dream. Dream as big as your imagination will allow - and share that dream. The world is full of wonderful humans who want you to succeed, but first they have to know what your dream is – which is why today is so important. Today we celebrate your dream - and the hard work that made that dream come true. Take time to celebrate, then take a deep breath, and dream your next dream.” In addition to the undergraduate ceremony, the university held a ceremony to confer graduate degrees on Thursday, May 15. Between the two ceremonies, nearly 900 new graduates were celebrated this month. University President Donna Hodge, presiding over her first spring commencement ceremonies as Fitchburg State’s 12th leader, told the undergraduates they will always hold a special place in her heart. “You were the first students I watched walk across this campus — the first to sit in the Adirondack chairs on the quad, the first to boldly walk into your classrooms on that very first day of fall, and the first to stop and offer help to a new president trying to find her way,” she said. “You were the first to hear me speak from this podium. You were the first to show me how brilliant, and determined Fitchburg State students really are. “So take this moment. Take the photos. Take the hugs. Take a breath. And then take everything you’ve learned — and go build something better. A life of meaning. A career with purpose. A future that reflects your values. Because the world needs you. And no matter how far you go from here — Fitchburg State still stands because of students like you. Congratulations, Class of 2025. Onward.” Alexia Perez-Lucas of New Jersey gave the student address on Saturday as the recipient of the Robert V. and Jeanne S. Antonucci Award for Student Leadership. The award was created through a gift by the university’s 10th president and his wife. “Today is about more than a diploma,” said Perez-Lucas. “ It’s about the journey, the late nights, the doubts, the growth. As a transfer student, I never imagined how transformative Fitchburg State would be. I planned to lay low, get my degree, and graduate. But Fitchburg State gave me more than an education, it gave me opportunities, confidence, and most importantly, people who believed in me.” She thanked her family for supporting her as a first-generation college student, as well as the faculty, advisors and mentors who guided her along the way. The heart of her message was for her fellow students, to put the resilience, perseverance and strength they have acquired at Fitchburg State to work. “We are the next generation of advocates, leaders, creators, and changemakers. Let’s not waste that,” she said. “Let’s be bold enough to challenge injustice, brave enough to question the status quo, and kind enough to lift others as we rise. Because that’s what real success looks like, not just what we achieve, but how we use what we’ve gained to make a difference. And in the chaos, the pressure, the moments where it feels like too much, don’t forget to keep breathing – especially, exhaling. Ground yourself. You’ve come this far. You can go farther. Class of 2025, the world is waiting for us. Let’s go out there and make it better, together.”
