Fitchburg 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 1993 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.

Fitchburg 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.

Internationally renowned author, illustrator, entrepreneur and Fitchburg State University alumnus Peter H. Reynolds will return to campus in May as its 2025 commencement speaker. The undergraduate ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 17, on the Fitchburg State campus. 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. Fitchburg State University President Donna Hodge expressed her excitement for Reynolds' return to campus, celebrating his impact as an artist, storyteller, and champion of imagination. “Peter H. Reynolds is a force for good in this world—an artist, a storyteller, and a visionary who has dedicated his life to inspiring others to be brave, creative, and limitless,” Hodge said. “As a proud alumnus, his journey is proof of what a Fitchburg State education can unlock. He has spent his career helping people find their voice and make their mark, and I can think of no better person to send off the Class of 2025 with that very message.” Reynolds, whose work has been embraced by educators, parents, and children around the globe, said he is honored to return to his alma mater. “Fitchburg State is home for me,” said Reynolds, who was able to foster his love of drawing and illustration at the institution’s Communications Media Department. “I found a community of educators who were eager to support me and my fellow students, and I am thrilled to share my experiences with the Class of 2025 as they write their own next chapters.” Beyond his work as an author and illustrator, Reynolds is an advocate for education, innovation, and the power of storytelling. His creative empire, based in the Boston area, includes The Blue Bunny Bookstore, his digital media/interactive development agency FableVision Studios, and his non-profit Reynolds Center for Teaching, Learning & Creativity where he continues to inspire creative educators, lifelong learners and change-makers. The university community looks forward to welcoming Reynolds back home as he imparts wisdom, inspiration, and a call to action for the graduates of 2025. For more information about Fitchburg State University’s 2025 Commencement, visit fitchburgstate.edu/commencement. Read about Reynolds' visit to campus earlier this semester in Fitchburg State Magazine.

The Gay Straight Alliance at Fitchburg State University will present the highly anticipated 18th annual benefit drag show at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 3, an event designed to entertain, enlighten, and share a great cultural experience with the community. The “Defying DRAG-ity" Annual Drag show will be held at the Athletics and Recreation Center, 130 North St., Fitchburg. Proceeds from the show will support the newly created LGBTQ Student Scholarship at Fitchburg State. It is labeled as New England's largest and oldest drag show. The program is designed for adults over 18. This year’s program will feature dancing and cabaret-style performances by seven stage performers including Leominster's own Lady Sabrina, Mizery McRae, Victoria Obvious, Abby Cummings, Destiny Boston, newcomer Ariel Monroe, with Raquel Blake to be the Mistress of Ceremonies for the evening. DJ Scotty P will spin the tunes for the show. The highly anticipated Couples Drag Race, with students from the university, will crown a Drag Queen and a Drag King. Muther Divine will also be in attendance. Every Fitchburg State event welcomes all members of the university community. Tickets are $5 for students, $10 for the public, and tables of 10 for $150 (with supplies limited). Tickets may be purchased online. Shane Franzen, the GSA advisor, has supervised the development of the show since its inception. “This Drag Show is an important part of the fabric of LGBTQ+ Life at Fitchburg State and her surrounding communities,” Franzen said. “The students of GSA work tirelessly for hours upon hours and for many months putting the show together. It is a privilege to be their advisor. However, it is an honor to watch them grow and flourish as active citizens of the LGBTQ+ community and to share who they are to all.”

The Music Mega-Mix, Fitchburg State University’s showcase of bite-sized performances by its Community Orchestra, Concert Band, Chamber Choir, Concert Choir, and Modern Band will be held at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 25in Weston Auditorium, 353 North St. Admission is free and open to the public. The ensembles consist of students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members. The concert program will be a showcase of “bite-sized” performances by the university’s choirs, bands and Community Orchestra. Performers will include Fitchburg State students and faculty, as well as community members. Learn more about the university's music offerings at fitchburgstate.edu/music.

Fitchburg State University President Donna Hodge and Fitchburg Mayor Samantha Squailia signed a new memorandum of understanding this week geared toward reciprocal support in times of emergency. The agreement outlines expectations for collaboration and mutual aid between agencies, including critical incident training, drills, and exercises, and providing space on campus or in the city for emergency needs including family reunification. University President Donna Hodge expressed her admiration for the collaboration between the campus and city leaders that led to the agreement. “Fitchburg State is not an island; we are part of the fabric of North Central Massachusetts,” Hodge said. “Our partnerships with city leaders, businesses, and civic and cultural organizations don’t just strengthen our university; they strengthen our entire region. When we come together with a shared purpose, we elevate not only our institutions but also the people we serve.” “The strength of any community is measured not just by what we do during good times, but in how we come together with challenging times,” Fitchburg Mayor Samantha Squailia said. “Today we reaffirm a critical partnership between the City of Fitchburg and Fitchburg State University, one that ensures that we stand ready to support one another in times of emergency or disaster.” The signing took place during a days-long emergency management training on campus attended by university administrators and staff as well as representatives from the city’s police and fire departments. University Police Chief Michael Cloutier and Fitchburg Fire Department Assistant Chief Patrick Haverty described the close collaboration between emergency agencies that preceded the formal agreement. “This week’s joint training exercise is just one example of the partnership in action, and the productive relationship that we have worked to foster,” Cloutier said. “I would like to thank our partners at Fitchburg Fire and Fitchburg Police for their openness to this collaboration. I can assure you, this does not happen everywhere.”