Fitchburg 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.

Fitchburg 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.”

Five Fitchburg State University students were recently selected for the newly launched R.A. Salvatore Undergraduate Creative Writing Prize, receiving $1,000 each through the program created by the best-selling author and proud Fitchburg State alumnus. One of the fantasy genre’s most successful authors, Salvatore–who completed degrees at Fitchburg State in 1981 and 1991, as well as an honorary doctorate–enjoys an ever-expanding and tremendously loyal following. His books regularly appear on The New York Times best-seller lists and have sold more than 10 million copies. His books have been translated into numerous foreign languages including German, Italian, Finnish, Greek, Hungarian, Turkish, Croatian, Bulgarian, Yiddish, Spanish, Russian, Polish, Portuguese, Czech, and French. The prize competition is made possible by the generous support of the author and his wife, Diane Salvatore, herself a 1993 graduate of Fitchburg State. Fitchburg State students were invited to submit creative writing in any genre, including fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, game narrative, and script/play. The submissions were anonymized and reviewed by a cross-disciplinary faculty panel. The inaugural winners of the Salvatore Prizes were announced at the university’s Undergraduate Conference for Research and Creative Practice in April. They included: Peter Wayne Elliot, “Eulogy for My Unknown Uncle” (creative non-fiction); Thomas Meehan, “When Leaves Fall” (game narrative); Devin Brunelle, “Burning Aveline” (fiction); Tonia Magras, “cyclical, generational, assuming trauma” (poetry); and Andrew King, “The Agency” (script/play). “We are deeply grateful to Bob and Diane Salvatore for their vision, generosity, and enduring commitment to Fitchburg State,” said President Donna Hodge. “This prize honors not only our students’ talent and drive, but also the transformative power of storytelling in all its forms—on the page, on the stage, and in the digital realm. As a public university with a long and proud history of cultivating creativity and innovation, we are thrilled to celebrate this new tradition. These awards send a powerful message to our students: your voice matters, your work matters, and your imagination can change the world.” “I offer my congratulations to the winners, of course, and hope that the prize will inspire them to continue to search their creative heart,” Salvatore said. “In that vein, I offer my sincere congratulations to all of the participants. At its core, exploring your creativity isn't about winning prizes or contracts or applause. The true point of it is to learn what matters to you in this journey we call life." Fitchburg State’s Amelia V. Gallucci-Cirio Library is also home to the R.A. Salvatore Collection, containing the writer’s letters, manuscripts, and other professional papers. The Salvatore Collection is situated alongside The Robert Cormier Library, which celebrates the writing career of the co-alum and esteemed author of young adult books.

Mount Wachusett Community College students in search of a residential collegiate experience may live on the Fitchburg State University campus through a new agreement recently signed by the presidents of the institutions. Students enrolled in the new Housing Program will benefit from the longstanding collaboration between Fitchburg State and the Mount, which includes articulation agreements, close proximity, a shared regional transportation system, and a shared commitment to supporting students' academic, co-curricular, and social development. Participating students from the Mount will also be able to access the facilities, resources, and activities at Fitchburg State. “We are honored to stand alongside you as we take this next step in supporting student success together,” Fitchburg State President Donna Hodge said. “This MOU marks more than a housing arrangement. It reflects a shared commitment to access, affordability, and opportunity for the students of North Central Massachusetts. By opening our doors—and our residence halls—we’re creating a seamless pathway for community college students to thrive, connect, and ultimately, complete their degrees.” MWCC President James Vander Hooven said the agreement was further proof of a culture of cooperation that exists between regional institutions, including its public higher education partners. “There is no other way forward in North Central Massachusetts than for our institutions to work together, for our students’ needs and our regional workforce’s needs,” MWCC President James Vander Hooven said. “I see a very strong future for the Mount and Fitchburg State to keep working together.” The agreement signing took place at Herlihy Hall on the Fitchburg State campus. The building was recently renovated and quickly emerged as a preferred housing option when it was reopened this semester. Several students from the Mount toured the campus following the signing ceremony. Learn more about the agreement at fitchburgstate.edu/campus-life/housing-and-residential-services/living-campus/community-college-housing-program.

Fitchburg State University’s Men’s Hockey Team was honored by Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, state Senator John J. Cronin (D - Fitchburg), and state Representative Michael P. Kushmerek (D - Fitchburg) at the Massachusetts State House on Friday, May 2 after their historic season resulted in a Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) championship. The team was received by Lieutenant Governor Driscoll Friday afternoon, before receiving individual recognitions from Cronin and Kushmerek. “This championship season is a testament to the heart, grit, and excellence that define Fitchburg State,” said President Donna Hodge. “Our men’s hockey team showed what’s possible when talent meets determination—and their achievement has inspired not just our campus, but our entire region. I’m deeply grateful to Lt. Governor Driscoll, Senator Cronin, and Representative Kushmerek for recognizing what this moment means to our student-athletes and our university community. I also extend my sincere thanks to Governor Maura Healey for her steadfast support of public higher education and athletics across the Commonwealth. This administration’s commitment to student success and community pride is felt throughout this celebration. This championship is more than a win on the ice—it’s a reflection of who we are and what we can achieve together.” “This was an amazing team, and they showed what was possible when they pulled together with focus and grit,” said Fitchburg State Hockey Coach Dean Fuller, in his 41st season leading the Falcons. “These players made the entire Fitchburg State community very, very proud.” “On behalf of all of Fitchburg State’s student athletes, I am very grateful to Lt. Gov. Driscoll, Sen. Cronin and Rep. Kushmerek for showing this amazing team the impact they make,” said Fitchburg State Senior Director of Athletics and Recreation Matthew Burke. “This team and their coaches ignited and inspired the entire campus, and truly represent the best of NCAA Division III athletics.” “This championship run will endure as one of our greatest memories as Falcons,” said team captain Oliver Cookson. “We were so proud to represent Fitchburg State at the highest level, and we are grateful to continue demonstrating what is achievable to current and future Falcons.” “Fitchburg State’s MASCAC Championship embodies what the University and Fitchburg is all about: grit, determination, and a commitment to excellence,” said Senator Cronin. “I feel lucky to help recognize the Falcons for this accomplishment and hope they know how proud they’ve made Fitchburg and North Central Massachusetts.” “Through pure determination and teamwork, Fitchburg State’s Ice Hockey Team and Coach Fuller earned their 8th MASCAC championship title,” said Representative Kushmerek. “This remarkable achievement has brought pride to the entire region! Go Falcons!” The Falcons clinched their third MASCAC title in program history, and their first since 2018, after beating MCLA’s Trailblazers 3-1 in the conference title game. The Falcons were led by MASCAC tournament MVP Hunter Dunn, who finished the championship game with two goals and an assist, and star goaltender Max Macchioni, who recorded 28 saves on 29 shots on goal. The Falcons punched their ticket to the Division III tournament for the first time since 2018, after putting an end to MCLA’s hot streak, something that the tournaments’ top two seeds, Plymouth State University and Anna Maria College, were unable to do. Fitchburg State’s championship followed a successful season that saw the Falcons finish with a record of 15-12-1.