Fitchburg State University will host the formal investiture of its 12th president, Dr. Donna Hodge, at a ceremony at 3:30 p.m. Friday, April 25 in Weston Auditorium, 353 North St. Admission to this milestone moment in Fitchburg State’s history is open to the public. Massachusetts Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll will administer the oath of office at the ceremony, which will also feature remarks from state and local leaders including Massachusetts Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler. The ceremony will be livestreamed on FATV. A black tie gala will follow the next evening in support of the President’s Fund at Fitchburg State, which fuels innovation and scholarships that change students’ lives. That event, to be held at the Fitchburg Senior Center on Wallace Avenue, will also feature the debut of new awards recognizing extraordinary service to the institution and community. Hodge assumed the presidency in summer 2024, becoming the first woman to lead Fitchburg State in its 130-year history. Since taking office, she has called the university to a new era of inclusive excellence, bold vision, and unwavering service to students and the Commonwealth. “To stand at the helm of Fitchburg State—at this moment, in this place—is one of the greatest honors of my life,” said Hodge. “This university changed the trajectory of so many lives, just as it could have changed mine had I found it earlier. I lead with a full heart, driven by the belief that every student deserves not just access to higher education, but the kind of transformative experience that unlocks their potential and shapes their future. Together, we are building something bigger than ourselves—the public university our students and our region deserve.” Michael Fiorentino Jr., chair of the Fitchburg State Board of Trustees, praised Hodge’s first year of leadership. “President Hodge has had a remarkable impact in her first year at Fitchburg State,” Fiorentino said. “There is a renewed vitality across campus—from the student body to faculty, librarians, and staff—and she has embraced the institution’s role as a civic anchor and community partner. We are excited to celebrate this moment in Fitchburg State’s history.” The investiture ceremony on April 25 will include remarks from former colleagues, community partners, and an address by President Hodge. The following evening, April 26, the black tie gala will feature the presentation of four new awards honoring individuals who exemplify Fitchburg State’s mission: The President’s Award for Service to the Institution will be presented to Anna M. Clementi, former Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees and current Foundation Board member. Clementi co-founded the university’s Center for Italian Culture and its lecture series, and launched the Global Ambassadors Scholarship, which has opened doors to language, culture, and global citizenship for students across generations. The President’s Award for Distinguished Service to Education will be presented to Ronald P. Colbert, whose journey from student leader to proud alumnus, and from public school educator to professor emeritus, reflects a lifetime devoted to lifting others through learning. The President's Award for Service to the Community will be awarded to Luisa Fernandez, a champion of families in Fitchburg. From free English classes for adults to vital resource guides and creative partnerships, Fernandez has helped weave a stronger, more compassionate community. The Distinguished Alumnus Award will be presented to Jim Todd, whose career in athletics—from the courts of Fitchburg State to the sidelines of the NBA—has exemplified leadership, grit, and loyalty. His ongoing support of Fitchburg State’s basketball program ensures that tomorrow’s student-athletes continue to dream big. “These honorees embody the very soul of Fitchburg State—service, integrity, resilience, and heart,” Hodge said. “Each of them, in their own way, has helped expand what’s possible for others. I’m so proud that we’ll lift them up together, as a community, during this historic weekend.” For more information on the investiture and gala, please visit fitchburgstate.edu/investiture.

Fitchburg State University is proud to announce that President Dr. Donna Hodge has been accepted into the Presidents for Latino Student Success ( P4LSS) Network, a prestigious national coalition led by Excelencia in Education that brings together college and university presidents who are committed to intentionally advancing Latino student success. Fitchburg State is only the second four-year institution in Massachusetts to be accepted into this influential network, joining Salem State University in a shared commitment to equity, inclusion, and educational justice. As part of this milestone, Fitchburg State has also formally enrolled in Excelencia in Education’s Two-Year Journey to Intentionally Serve Latino Students—a structured, evidence-based engagement designed to transform institutional culture, practice, and outcomes. The initiative supports participating institutions in pursuing the Seal of Excelencia, a national certification that recognizes colleges and universities that demonstrate significant and measurable efforts to intentionally serve Latino students. “This moment represents more than a milestone for Fitchburg State—it is a declaration of who we are and who we aspire to be,” said President Hodge. “As a first-generation college student myself, I know how powerful higher education can be in transforming lives. Our enrollment in this initiative is both a moral imperative and a strategic commitment to ensuring that all students are seen, supported, and celebrated. I am honored to stand alongside national leaders in this work and to lead Fitchburg State into this intentional and equity-driven future.” To support and lead this transformational work, Fitchburg State has appointed the following faculty and administrators as institutional affiliates: Dr. Lillian Bobea, assistant professor in the Behavioral Sciences Department Dr. Will Cortezia, associate professor in the Education Department Dr. Robert Hynes, assistant dean and director of Counseling Services Dr. Sean Goodlett, professor in the Economics, History and Political Science Department Dr. Beth Swartz, director of TRIO Student Support Services These leaders will collaborate with Excelencia in Education to advance data-informed strategies, elevate inclusive practices, and foster a culture of student success that reflects the needs and aspirations of the university’s increasingly diverse student body. As part of the Two-Year Journey, Fitchburg State will: Advance a mindset and culture shift to intentionally serve Latino, and all, students Improve enrollment, retention, and completion outcomes through strategic interventions Strengthen data collection and analysis to better understand student needs Build sustained cross-campus engagement with a focus on equity and impact Foster collaboration with peer institutions across the country through a shared community of practice Fitchburg State’s participation aligns with its goal to become a designated Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and reaffirms its long-term vision to be the first-choice institution for students across North Central Massachusetts and beyond. “Joining Excelencia in Education’s network is not just a recognition of where we are—it’s a bold commitment to where we’re going,” President Hodge added. “We will do this work with humility, rigor, and heart—knowing that when we serve Latino students with intentionality, we serve all students more effectively.” For more information about Excelencia in Education and the Presidents for Latino Student Success Network, visit www.edexcelencia.org.