Fitchburg State University will celebrate Black History Month in February with a series of events exploring the 2026 theme, “A Century of Black History Commemorations,” highlighting the enduring legacy and transformative power of honoring history over the past 100 years. The theme centers on the vision of Dr. Carter G. Woodson and the founders of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASALH), whose efforts institutionalized the study, preservation, and celebration of Black life, culture, and achievement. From the establishment of Negro History Week to the global observance of Black History Month, these commemorations have shaped how Black people understand their past and assert their place in the present and future. For the university's exploration of these topics, Fitchburg State’s Black History Month initiative, includes cross-sectional representation within the institution, solicited programs from across all campus constituencies. The result is a diverse array of events including speakers from the university faculty and student body, as well as alumni and invited guests. Black History Month kicks off on campus on Monday, Feb. 2 with the official flag raising from 4-5 p.m. at Hammond Hall’s Main Lounge. Other events include an alumni panel who will share personal journeys, challenges, and triumphs during and after college on Wednesday, Feb. 18 from 4-6 p.m. at Hammond’s Hall Main Lounge, and the Fitchburg Activities Board’s Comedy Show featuring Elijah Nevels on Thursday, Feb. 26 from 6-8 p.m. at Hammond Hall’s Falcon Hub. Several of the events have been made possible through the financial support of the Newman Center Trust. To learn more, please visit fitchburgstate.edu/bhm throughout February.

Fitchburg State University is pleased to announce that Governor Maura T. Healey has formally appointed Joe Byrne to the university’s Board of Trustees. Byrne’s term of service commences effective immediately, bringing a wealth of expertise to the university’s governing body. “The Board of Trustees is honored to welcome Joe Byrne, whose distinguished record of service embodies the values we hold dear," said Board Chairman Michael Fiorentino Jr. "His perspective, leadership, and commitment to our students and community will be invaluable.” Fitchburg State President Dr. Donna Hodge welcomed the appointment, noting that Mr. Byrne’s vast experience represents a transformative addition to the university’s leadership. “The appointment of Joe Byrne to our Board of Trustees is a moment of profound significance for Fitchburg State University,” said Hodge. “Joe’s life has been defined by an extraordinary commitment to service—from his decorated career as a Green Beret to his tireless advocacy within the Fitchburg community. He brings a unique perspective that bridges the gap between civic leadership and the lived experience of our students. We are honored to welcome a leader of his caliber to the Board as we continue to advance the university’s mission and deepen our roots within the Commonwealth." Byrne ‘14 returns to his alma mater as a Fitchburg State double Falcon, holding a bachelor’s and master’s degree in business administration. He pairs decades of proven leadership with a genuine commitment to the community and the future of higher education. “I’m tickled to death to be here,” said Byrne. “I think that we have all the right cogs in proper order. We’ve got a great president, we’ve got a great facility, we’ve got the whole staff and everything seems to be working towards a goal of making everything better. I think that helping to contribute to that would be the epitome of being on the Board of Trustees.” A respected member of the business community, Byrne is the retired President and CEO of Byrne Insurance Agencies, Inc., where he provided years of dedicated leadership and expertise. A native of Bricktown, N.J., Byrne’s commitment to public service was shaped early in life, watching his father serve two terms as mayor. Though his academic journey began shortly after high school, it was interrupted by a higher calling: service in the Vietnam War. This marked the beginning of a distinguished 22-year career in the United States Army, during which Mr. Byrne served with elite units as a paratrooper, Army Ranger, and member of the special forces. Following a highly decorated military career—including the receipt of the Purple Heart for his sacrifices in the line of duty—Byrne retired in 1985 and chose Fitchburg as his home. Since his transition to civilian life, he remained a tireless advocate for his community and a lifelong learner. Beyond his military accolades as a Green Beret, Byrne built a multi-faceted professional and civic portfolio. His experience spans the private and public sectors, having served as a military recruiter, a successful insurance agent, and a dedicated parent. His deep ties to the local community were evidenced by his leadership roles, where he contributed his governance expertise to the Fitchburg Zoning Board of Appeals and represented regional interests on the Massachusetts Democratic State Committee. The upcoming Board of Trustees meeting on Thursday, January 29 will mark a significant moment of transition for the university as the Board welcomes Byrne to his first official session. A centerpiece of this meeting will be a tribute to Carolyn Crowley Stimpson, commemorating the conclusion of her landmark tenure. Having dedicated more than a full decade to the university’s mission, Crowley Stimpson’s departure marks the end of an era defined by unwavering commitment and visionary guidance. The Board will celebrate her 10-plus years of distinguished leadership, reflecting on a legacy that has fundamentally shaped the university’s trajectory and left a profound, lasting impact on the community she so faithfully served. A prominent leader in the Massachusetts business community, Crowley Stimpson serves as co-owner and board member of Polar Beverages Company in Worcester, co-owner and vice president of Wachusett Mountain Ski Area, and president of MTNside Ski and Ride. She and her husband, John, live in Princeton. "Carolyn has been a cornerstone of our Board, bringing an unmatched entrepreneurial spirit to her governance," said President Hodge. "We are profoundly grateful for her decade of advocacy and for the enduring legacy she has established here."

Fitchburg State President Donna Hodge has announced the students who qualified for inclusion on the Dean’s List and President's List for the Fall 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 Dean's List Fall 2025. 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 President's List Fall 2025.

Fitchburg State University Vice President for Personnel Services and General Counsel Stacey Luster will be the keynote speaker at the City of Fitchburg’s 27th annual Martin Luther King Celebration at noon on Monday, Jan. 19 at the Fitchburg Senior Center, located at 14 Wallace Ave. Luster was elected to two terms on the Worcester City Council, and remains the only African-American female to represent Worcester residents. “I am truly honored to be the keynote speaker for the Fitchburg community’s MLK celebration,” said Luster. “This is a full circle moment for me, having served as the emcee for the Worcester MLK breakfast for many years. As a newcomer to Fitchburg State University, I am humbled to be introduced to the Fitchburg community by the MLK Coalition.” The program will also feature remarks from Fitchburg State Presidential Ambassador and student Geybrell Liriano, along with a performance from the newly formed Fitchburg State Drumline, under the direction of Associate Professor of Humanities Amy McGlothlin. Fitchburg State Presidential Ambassador Sydney-Amelia Nortelus will introduce the Fitchburg State Dance Club. Featured performers for this piece include Alexis Toste, Ben Mulrenan, Adriana Padilla Salgado, Hanna Breault and Kaisha Serrano. Reverend Doctor Martin Martin Luther King Jr. (Jan. 15, 1929 - April 4, 1968) dedicated his life to the nonviolent struggle for racial equality in the United States. The third Monday in January marks Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a U.S. holiday that honors King’s legacy and challenges citizens to engage in volunteer service in their communities. The Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration was officially recognized in 1983 – 15 years after his death. He was born in Atlanta, Georgia and attended Morehouse College at the age of 15, and went on to earn his doctorate at Boston University. He was a Baptist minister, married with 4 children.

Fitchburg State University presents its biennial art exhibition this spring showcasing the diverse creative works by distinguished faculty and staff in the Communications Media and Humanities Departments. The exhibition is on display through March 6 at the Hammond Art Gallery, located in Hammond Hall, 160 Pearl Street. There will be an opening reception at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3 at the gallery. The showcase is on Wednesday, Feb. 25. Admission is free and open to the public. “The biennial faculty exhibition is a fantastic opportunity for the campus community to see the creative artwork of our professors,” said Fitchburg State University Communications Media Professor and Department Chair Jeff Warmouth. “I love seeing the range of work from my colleagues, and I always look forward to the show. Most students only know us in the classroom, but every two years they can see the wide variety of ideas and approaches to aesthetics, materials, and techniques.” The art exhibition will feature the work by faculty members Warmouth, Britt Snyder, Andrea Olmstead, Deborah Santoro, Donald Tarallo, J Flynn, and Jessica Robey.