Presidential investiture gala raises more than $300,000 to support student success
Fitchburg State University’s gala fundraiser to celebrate the investiture of 12th President Donna Hodge raised more than $300,000 last week. In addition to the dollars raised to support the President’s Fund, President Hodge and her husband Dustin Hodge announced their own donation of $50,000 to endow the Bill and Judy McKinney Fund for Military and Veteran Students, named in honor of the university president’s parents. Dr. Hodge was formally installed in a ceremony Friday at Weston Auditorium on the Fitchburg State campus, with Massachusetts Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll administering the oath of office. Dr. Hodge outlined a vision for Fitchburg State’s future as an institution that meets students of all ages and stands ready to serve them. “We will continue to stand, because we know who we’re here for,” she said. “We are here for the student today in the back of the room, afraid to raise their hand but burning with curiosity. We are here for the adult learner walking onto campus with a backpack and a whole life’s worth of experience. We are here for the dreamers, the question-askers, the returners, the firsts in their family, and those whose names we don’t yet know. We are here for them, because someone was once here for us.” At a time when there is rising distrust in higher education and costs continue to rise, Dr. Hodge said Fitchburg State must embrace the importance of reimagining higher education to adapt to changing times. “In a world moving faster than higher education was ever built to move, we can no longer afford the comfort of slow consensus,” she said. “The most successful institutions—especially public ones—will be those that embrace a culture of experimentation. That means piloting, testing, learning, and adjusting—quickly. That means asking students not just what they need, but how they experience what we provide. “At Fitchburg State, that starts now, with how we recruit, how we advise, how we teach, how we cheer, and how we listen,” she continued. “We will not be satisfied with ‘how it’s always been’ if it’s not working for the students we have today, or the students we hope to reach tomorrow. Because tradition should never be an excuse for irrelevance.” The gala on Saturday night at the Fitchburg Senior Center drew more than 300 guests along with generous sponsor support. The evening also included the presentation of community awards recognizing individuals whose efforts have contributed to the quality of life in the region: The Distinguished Alumnus Award was 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. The President’s Award for Distinguished Service to Education was 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 was given 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 President’s Award for Service to the Institution was 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. Her leadership on the board of the Fitchburg Art Museum has also enhanced collaboration between that institution and the university. Following the community awards, President Hodge and Dustin announced the new fund for military and veteran students. “My parents, Bill and Judy McKinney, were not quiet people,” Dr. Hodge said at the gala. “They were loud, loving, opinionated, and impossible to ignore. They didn’t go to college themselves, but they never stopped talking about it like it was magic. They didn’t have a roadmap, but they made sure I knew it mattered. And more than anything, they made me believe I could do something more. So tonight, in their honor, my family wants to mark this moment in what we hope is a meaningful way.” President Hodge’s nieces and nephew joined the Hodges on stage to present the check. “Together, and with a deep commitment to the future of this university, Dustin and I are proud to announce a $50,000 gift to endow The Bill and Judy McKinney Fund for Military and Veteran Students. This fund will provide dedicated support to one of the most inspiring groups in our community—our military-connected and veteran students. They are often balancing service, school, family, and work. They bring courage, grit, and often a different perspective to our campus – and they deserve every resource we can offer in return. This fund is for them.”
Fitchburg State University’s gala fundraiser to celebrate the investiture of 12th President Donna Hodge raised more than $300,000 last week.
In addition to the dollars raised to support the President’s Fund, President Hodge and her husband Dustin Hodge announced their own donation of $50,000 to endow the Bill and Judy McKinney Fund for Military and Veteran Students, named in honor of the university president’s parents.
Dr. Hodge was formally installed in a ceremony Friday at Weston Auditorium on the Fitchburg State campus, with Massachusetts Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll administering the oath of office. Dr. Hodge outlined a vision for Fitchburg State’s future as an institution that meets students of all ages and stands ready to serve them.
“We will continue to stand, because we know who we’re here for,” she said. “We are here for the student today in the back of the room, afraid to raise their hand but burning with curiosity. We are here for the adult learner walking onto campus with a backpack and a whole life’s worth of experience. We are here for the dreamers, the question-askers, the returners, the firsts in their family, and those whose names we don’t yet know. We are here for them, because someone was once here for us.”
At a time when there is rising distrust in higher education and costs continue to rise, Dr. Hodge said Fitchburg State must embrace the importance of reimagining higher education to adapt to changing times.
“In a world moving faster than higher education was ever built to move, we can no longer afford the comfort of slow consensus,” she said. “The most successful institutions—especially public ones—will be those that embrace a culture of experimentation. That means piloting, testing, learning, and adjusting—quickly. That means asking students not just what they need, but how they experience what we provide.
“At Fitchburg State, that starts now, with how we recruit, how we advise, how we teach, how we cheer, and how we listen,” she continued. “We will not be satisfied with ‘how it’s always been’ if it’s not working for the students we have today, or the students we hope to reach tomorrow.
Because tradition should never be an excuse for irrelevance.”
The gala on Saturday night at the Fitchburg Senior Center drew more than 300 guests along with generous sponsor support. The evening also included the presentation of community awards recognizing individuals whose efforts have contributed to the quality of life in the region:
- The Distinguished Alumnus Award was 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.
- The President’s Award for Distinguished Service to Education was 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 was given 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 President’s Award for Service to the Institution was 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. Her leadership on the board of the Fitchburg Art Museum has also enhanced collaboration between that institution and the university.
Following the community awards, President Hodge and Dustin announced the new fund for military and veteran students.
“My parents, Bill and Judy McKinney, were not quiet people,” Dr. Hodge said at the gala. “They were loud, loving, opinionated, and impossible to ignore. They didn’t go to college themselves, but they never stopped talking about it like it was magic. They didn’t have a roadmap, but they made sure I knew it mattered. And more than anything, they made me believe I could do something more. So tonight, in their honor, my family wants to mark this moment in what we hope is a meaningful way.”
President Hodge’s nieces and nephew joined the Hodges on stage to present the check.
“Together, and with a deep commitment to the future of this university, Dustin and I are proud to announce a $50,000 gift to endow The Bill and Judy McKinney Fund for Military and Veteran Students. This fund will provide dedicated support to one of the most inspiring groups in our community—our military-connected and veteran students. They are often balancing service, school, family, and work. They bring courage, grit, and often a different perspective to our campus – and they deserve every resource we can offer in return. This fund is for them.”
Latest Fitchburg State University News
- High school students compete in 44th mathematics contestFitchburg State University recently welcomed dozens of high school students from across the region for its 44th annual Elizabeth Haskins Mathematics Contest. The competition invites sophomores, juniors and seniors from local high schools. This year students from Auburn High School, Fitchburg High School, the Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School (Ayer), Hudson High School, the Leominster Center for Excellence, Leominster High School, Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical High School (Monty Tech), Narragansett High School, and Quabbin Regional High School participated. In the 90-minute competition, students answer 50 multiple choice questions written or created by members of the Fitchburg State Mathematics Department faculty, proctored by university students. The questions are appropriate for a high school student that include many branches of mathematics below the calculus level. The scoring includes a penalty for wrong answers to discourage guessing. The material includes logic problems, such as: four men, one of whom has committed a crime, made the following statements: Sam: Bob did it. Gus: I didn’t do it. Bob: Tony did it. And Tony: Bob lied when he said I did it. If only one of their statements is true, who is the guilty man? A, Sam; B, Gus; C, Bob; D, Tony; or E, there is not enough information to solve the problem. The answer is B, Gus. During their visit, students also enjoyed lunch on campus, participated in a solution session run by university Professor Jessica Oehrlein, and attended an awards ceremony where top scorers were recognized. Fitchburg State President Donna Hodge, in her first year leading the university, also addressed the visiting students and their teachers. The following students received the highest marks in the competition: in 10th grade, third place went to Andrew Roberdeau of Francis W. Parker; second place to Lucas Tobin of Monty Tech; and in first place, Nate Bixby of Auburn. In 11th grade, third place went to Zhenyu Liu, Leominster, with second and first place a tie between Hersh Patel of Leominster and Brian Jiang of Leominster. For 12th grade, third place went to Danel Diaz of Leominster; second place to Nathan Gawronski of Auburn, and in first place, Wren Horne of Auburn. The contest is named for Elizabeth Haskins, a longtime member of the university’s mathematics faculty who retired in 1978. She passed away in 2004.
- Community awards will complement President Hodge's investitureFitchburg 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.
- President Hodge joins effort to support Latino student successFitchburg 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.
- Shane Rodriguez appointed to university Board of TrusteesFitchburg State University proudly announces that Governor Maura T. Healey has appointed attorney Shane Rodriguez to the university’s Board of Trustees, following his nomination by University President Dr. Donna Hodge and Chair of the Board, Dr. Michael Fiorentino. A 1994 graduate of Fitchburg State, Rodriguez returns to his alma mater with decades of leadership experience, a deep commitment to public service, and a passion for higher education. Rodriguez’s career spans the legal, academic, and law enforcement sectors. He is currently an assistant professor at the Massachusetts School of Law in Andover and operates a private legal practice. His professional journey also includes distinguished service with the Municipal Police Training Committee and prior work in campus and municipal law enforcement—roles that reflect his dedication to justice and community. As a Fitchburg State student, Rodriguez was a standout student-athlete and made history as the first student of color to be elected president of the Student Government Association. He credits his transformative undergraduate experience with setting the course for his life and career. “This campus really put me in a position to succeed,” Rodriguez said. “To return to the university that shaped me and contribute to its future as a trustee is more than an honor—it’s a full-circle moment. I hope to ensure that today’s students receive the same life-changing opportunities that I did.” Fitchburg State President Hodge celebrated Rodriguez’s appointment as a moment of profound significance for the institution. “Shane Rodriguez embodies the best of Fitchburg State—grit, service, and the relentless pursuit of justice,” President Hodge said. “His lived experience as a student leader, a public servant, and now an educator mirrors the journey of so many of our students. His voice at the board table will not only reflect our past but will help shape a more inclusive, inspired future. Welcoming Shane back to serve in this capacity is a testament to the power of a Fitchburg State education—and a reminder of what’s possible when we invest in potential.” Rodriguez joins the board during a transformative time for Fitchburg State, as the university advances its mission to expand access, equity, and opportunity for the students and communities it serves.
- Spring theater production includes two new worksThe Communications Media Department at Fitchburg State University will present staged readings of two new plays by award-winning playwright Peter Anderegg this April, including a new take on Romeo and Juliet and an exploration of the destructive effects of narcissism. Staged readings of The Widow Juliet and When You’re a Star will take place at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 10; 7 p.m. Friday, April 11 and Saturday, April 12; and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 13 in the Wallace Theater for Performing Arts at McKay Elementary School, 67 Rindge Road. The performances are free and open to the public. Anderegg’s new plays are thoughtful comedies that relate to contemporary issues. The Widow Juliet is a new take on Shakespeare’s classic Romeo and Juliet that gives Juliet a stronger voice, while When You’re a Star is an exploration of the destructive impact of morbid narcissism. “These plays explore issues facing our country today: the controversy over women’s agency over their bodies and the destructive effects of extreme narcissism, respectively,” said Denise Alexander, who is directing the staged readings. Fitchburg State has a long history of collaborating with Anderegg to help produce and develop his new plays, with his works Matches, Rot From Beneath, and Dead Mad all having been performed on campus. Anderegg teaches playwriting courses at Fitchburg State and is an award-winning playwright. In 2024 he won best short at the “We Like Short-Shorts Festival of 10-Minute Plays” at the Storefront Theatre in Waxhaw, N.C. This year he was selected to participate in the New Play Lab at the William Inge Theatre Festival in Kansas. Working on a new play is a rich and exciting experience for everyone involved. In a staged reading actors use scripts, but there is still minimal blocking and props to give the audience a good sense of the play. “Guiding younger actors with the experiences that I have learned over the years, it’s everything and more I could ask for,” said returning alumnus and assistant director James Estes ‘18. Student Emerson DiSalle ’26 said they relished the opportunity to work on new plays. “I’m able to watch the writing process happen as we rehearse, and it's really awesome to be part of a group creating a piece of art!” DiSalle said. The cast includes Ryan Barker ’25 of Weymouth, Alyssa Brayley ‘26 of North Attleboro; Henry Beverly ’28 of Lexington; Emerson DiSalle ‘26 of Princeton; James Estes ’18 of Baldwinsville; Alex Febbrile ’25 of Fitchburg; David Gambone ’25 of Orange; Mateo Larralde ’27 of Westminster; Sophie Monis ’28 of Billerica; Arianna Sarpee ’27 of Worcester; and Jonathan Vazquez ’25 of Gardner. Technical crew includes Nicolas Salamack ’27 of Whitinsville and Vivian Warren ’25 of Orange.
- Fitchburg State again receives Military Friendly designationFitchburg State University announced that it has earned the 2025-2026 Military Friendly® School designation. Institutions earning the Military Friendly® School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. The rankings measure institutions’ ability to meet thresholds for retention, graduation, job placement, repayment, persistence, and loan default rates for all students, and specifically for student veterans. Fitchburg State has been designated a Military Friendly® institution every year since 2015. “We are immensely proud of this ongoing designation for Fitchburg State, reflecting our enduring and expanding commitment to serving this important population,” University President Donna Hodge said. “Our campus community is honored to engage in initiatives that support all students, including the men and women who have served and continue to serve. They enrich our campus community, and we will continue to do our part to help them achieve their educational ambitions.” In addition to the Silver ranking, Fitchburg State was also designated a Military Spouse Friendly School. The university this month also welcomed its first Director of Military and Veteran Services, Nolan Buck. More than 140 student veterans are enrolled at Fitchburg State this semester. "I am honored to be part of Fitchburg State University, which has once again been recognized as a Military Friendly institution," Buck said. "Fitchburg State University, both on and off campus, demonstrates a strong commitment to supporting our veteran and military community. I am dedicated to further enhancing the resources and opportunities available to this important group." For more information about the university’s student veteran programs, visit fitchburgstate.edu/veterans. About Military Friendly ® Schools The Military Friendly® Schools list is created each year based on extensive research using public data sources from more than 8,800 schools nationwide, input from student veterans, and responses to the proprietary, data-driven Military Friendly® Schools survey from participating institutions. The survey questions, methodology, criteria and weighting were developed with the assistance of an independent research firm and an advisory council of educators and employers. The survey is administered for free and is open to all postsecondary schools that wish to participate. Criteria for consideration can be found at www.militaryfriendly.com. About Fitchburg State University Fitchburg State University public institution located in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, dedicated to integrating high-quality professional programs with strong liberal arts and sciences studies. Founded in 1894, the university has more than 30 undergraduate programs and 22 master’s programs. About Viqtory Founded in 2001, VIQTORY is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) that connects the military community to civilian employment, educational and entrepreneurial opportunities through its G.I. Jobs® and Military Friendly® brands. VIQTORY and its brands are not a part of or endorsed by the U.S. Dept of Defense or any federal government entity. Learn more about VIQTORY at www.viqtory.com.
