- Fitchburg State University’s Gay Straight Alliance will hold its inaugural Lavender Graduation ceremony on Monday, April 29, honoring LGBTQIA+ students who will be graduating from the university this semester. The first Lavender Graduation Ceremony was created by playwright, author and LGBT historian Dr. Ronni Sanlo, who was denied the opportunity to attend the graduations of her biological children because of her sexual orientation. Encouraged by the Dean of Students at the University of Michigan, Dr. Sanlo designed the first Lavender Graduation Ceremony in 1995, which had three graduates. Today there are more than 500 colleges and universities nationwide hosting such celebrations. Graduating students, including undergraduates and graduates, are invited to take part in the celebration, which typically occurs the week prior to university-wide commencement events. At Fitchburg State, the graduate commencement ceremony will be held Thursday, May 16, and the undergraduate commencement ceremony will be held Saturday, May 18. Keynote speakers at Fitchburg State’s Lavender Graduation will include Vice President of Student Affairs Laura A. Bayless; Associate Professor DeMisty Bellinger-Delfeld; Associate Director of Student Development Shane Franzen; and Assistant Director for Care and Community Standards Joseph P. Flanagan. Approximately 20 students are expected to participate, and all will be offered lavender stoles to wear at their formal commencement ceremonies.
- Grammy winner Neal Smith to perform with jazz bandFitchburg State will welcome Grammy-winning jazz drummer Neal Smith during a free concert that will include performances by the university’s Fitchbyrds and the Fitchburg and Leominster High School jazz bands. The concert will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 1 at Kent Recital Hall in the Conlon Fine Arts Building, 367 North St. Admission is free and open to the public. Smith will also be giving a master class for university and high school students the afternoon of the performance. Assistant Professor Amy McGlothlin of the university’s Humanities Department leads the Fitchbyrds Modern Jazz Band and organized the visit. “We are excited to present this masterclass and concert with such an amazing guest artist,” McGlothlin said. “We hope to make this an annual event." The Fitchbyrds Modern Jazz Band includes Thomas Adler-Mandile, Ronan Cords, Jack Dancause, Rala Diakite, Joshua Leaffer, Joshua Lancaster, and director Amy McGlothlin. The Leominster High School Jazz Band is led by Robert Bergeron, and the Fitchburg High School Jazz Band is led by Nat Blankenship. The event is a collaboration between Fitchburg State’s music program and the Fitchburg Cultural Council, Mass Cultural Council, El Toro Promotions, and Fitchburg High School and Leominster High School.
- Convocation award winners announcedFitchburg State held its Spring Convocation ceremony on Thursday, April 18, where hundreds of thousands of dollars scholarships and academic awards were conferred. See more pictures from the event on the Burg Blog. Detailed descriptions of the awards and their criteria may be found on the Convocation web page. PRESIDENT’S SCHOLAR AWARD Matthew P. Gill Geybrell G. Liriano Tonia M. Magras Alexia R. Perez-Lucas Nicholas D. Solimine DISTINGUISHED SCHOLAR AWARD Marissa E. Cloutier Paige M. Demanche Veronica L. Derby Alyssa J. Fields Kathleen A. Kaldis Jyy R. Liang Mary Kate Moreau Hannah Moulton Eileen Nina Katelyn M. Paquette Sophia A. Piper Darci L. Smith Colin J. Sweetland Owen C. Thayer Tyler D. Tramonte Danielle M. Varner Brenna M. Wilkins Thailee C. Zarycki COMMONWEALTH HONORS SCHOLARS Sabrina A. Bailey Francesco Campione Dana E. Cisowski Ronan P. Cords Geena R. Duval Nathaniel Felix Alyssa J. Fields Emily K. Gelinas Nicholas Green Danielle Hendrix Darcy M. Lally Suzannah R. Lambert Jyy R. Liang Mary Kate Moreau Dakota E. Racine Cooper D. Rogers Allison H. Turner Madison M. Waterson Benjamin T. Wiita Lilly K. Woodger Elliot A. Zopatti BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES Criminal Justice Academic Achievement Award Maeghan C. Alansky Jordyn T. Gagliardi Human Services Faculty Choice Award Eunice J. Matson Scholarship Human Services Students' Choice Award William D. Coleman Kristi L. Patano BIOLOGY / CHEMISTRY Outstanding Senior in Biology Outstanding Senior in Chemistry Outstanding Public Service Award Cynthia V. Laurore Aiden T. Luckey Edward and Mildred Lozowski Scholarship Helen and Robert Russell: Women in Science Scholarship BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Outstanding Senior in Accounting Award Outstanding Senior in Management Award Outstanding Senior in Marketing Award Outstanding Senior in Entrepreneurship Award Scott and Sarah Foster Entrepreneurial Studies Scholarship Alison L. Houde Max O. Parvey COMMUNICATIONS MEDIA Applied Communications Graduate Student of the Year Elaine T. Coyne Women in Film Memorial Scholarship Film Student of the Year Game Design Student of the Year Graphic Design Student of the Year Jacqui LaCoy Documentary Award Jacqui LaCoy Scholarship Louis O. Lorenzen Visual & Performing Arts Award Photography Student of the Year Professional Communications Student of the Year Robert M. Wilson Memorial Scholarship Robert M. Wilson Memorial Scholarship at FATV Theater Student of the Year Christopher S. Brennan Marco A. Grogan Gabriel F. Mangrum Video Student of the Year COMPUTER SCIENCE Outstanding Senior in Computer Information Systems Outstanding Senior in Computer Science Robert F. McGuire Memorial Scholarship Samantha Chandler Colin J. Sweetland EARTH AND GEOGRAPHIC SCIENCES Outstanding Student in Environmental and Earth Science Outstanding Student in Public Health Stephen W. Clair Memorial Scholarship ECONOMICS, HISTORY, AND POLITICAL SCIENCE Alex Donkor Award for Excellence in Economics Award for Excellence in International Studies Christina F. Kelley Award for Excellence in the Field of Women's Studies Outstanding Senior in History / Secondary Education Outstanding Student in Political Science Roger F. Holmes Award for Excellence in History EDUCATION DEPARTMENT Carla Borg Scholarship Dr. Anne May ’52 Memorial Award Dr. William J. Goldman Award in Special Education Early Childhood Education Scholarship Education Department Service Award Helen T. O'Flaherty Scholarship Katherine "Kay" Flynn ’57 Special Education Scholarship Cailin C. Butler Amber R. Camp Melanie J. Cormier Jennifer R. Jezierski Anna M. Warry Matthew C. Dimacale Memorial Scholarship Bri-Elle A. Gates Maggie Pomeroy Outstanding Senior in Early Childhood Education Outstanding Senior in Elementary Education Outstanding Senior in Education Studies Outstanding Senior in Early Education and Care Owens-Mara Award Natalie G. Garcia Chemlah M. MacNeil Kiara Y. Pedraza Patricia (Barbaresi) James ’58 Scholarship Allison N. Hamel Shania Rodriguez Acevedo Roberta (Fitzmaurice) Connors ’63 Scholarship Emily G. Hallsworth Karlsen D. Halstead Shianne U. Harewood Caileen C. Hurley Shania Rodriguez Acevedo The Beauty Nichols Reading Partner Therapy Dog and Saxifrage Education Award Special Education Scholarship ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY Arthur E. Purrington Award Carl T. Witherell ’32 Scholarship Francis ’60 and Lucia Marcille ’58 Memorial Award Marckenson Charles Caroline De Andrade Maciel Poliana Kristani Jamesohn C. LaValley Eridon Mehmeti George B. James ’57, ’60 Memorial Scholarship Sean E. Butler Marckenson Charles Christopher J. Mongiat John L. Powers Memorial Scholarship Walter F. Harrod ’40 Scholarship Ginneta F. Abaidoo Kelly A. Bottini Laila A. Hamilton Mark P. Izbicki Eridon Mehmeti ENGLISH STUDIES Colin E. Bourn ’63 English Scholarship Dr. Nancy R. Kelly ’80 Memorial Award English Studies Department Scholarship Leo J. Hines Memorial Scholarship Louis P. Shepherd Scholarship Peter W. Elliott Anne C. Skamarycz Ashley A. Snow Patricia A. Hess ’94 Scholarship Robert E. Cormier Scholarship EXERCISE AND SPORTS SCIENCE Academic Achievement in Exercise and Sports Science Award Tyler T. Martin Abbey R. Quirbach Leadership in Exercise and Sports Science Award HUMANITIES Outstanding Day Student in the Interdisciplinary Major Outstanding Evening Student in the Interdisciplinary Major Outstanding Senior in the Music Minor Outstanding Student in the Art Minor Outstanding Student in the Deaf Studies Minor Outstanding Student in Italian Studies Outstanding Student in the Philosophy Minor Outstanding Student in the Spanish Minor MATHEMATICS Dr. Mark A. Snyder Memorial Scholarship Teddy N. Kingori Mathematics Department Scholarship Award Outstanding Mathematics Minor of the Year Award Outstanding Mathematics Student of the Year Award NURSING Carol Picard Leadership and Civic Engagement Award Eleanor Voorhies Award Frances Champlin ’87 Memorial Scholarship for Nursing Elizabeth Fisk – Grace Gummo Award Grace Gummo Scholarship Natalia E. Lamoureux Alexandria M. Martocci Kaylee E. Meadows Jean Kressy Nursing Scholarship Caroline C. Hamel Diavian D. White Katherine Sehl Award Patricia (Barbaresi) James ’58 Scholarship Student Nursing Association Award Christopher J. Bjornson Brianna M. Hall Molly M. Loverin The Kay O'Connor and Carol Picard Scholarship Established by Epsilon Beta Chapter, Sigma Theta Tau The Madden-Wallen Forensic Award PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE Beverly Roder & Mabel "Gin" Sgan Award in Psychology UNDERGRADUATE CONFERENCE ON RESEARCH AND CREATIVE PRACTICE Outstanding Creative Writing Piece Outstanding Oral Presentations Brady Elliot, first place Madison Ambrogi, second place Asa Oywech, third place Outstanding Poster Presentations Thomas Adler Mandile, first place William Ghio, second place Mary Kate Moreau, third place Outstanding Visual Arts/Film Award FITCHBURG STATE CHAPTER OF MSCA Frederick Douglass Citizenship Award ALUMNI AND DEVELOPMENT Albert P. Russo ’52 Memorial Scholarship Charles D. Maner Memorial Scholarship Class of 1963 Endowed Scholarship Amber R. Camp Melanie J. Cormier Vanessa Thilakoun Dean Rachupka ’93 Memorial Scholarship Alyssa R. St. Cyr Alyssa C. Tata Donald ’72, ’79 & Karen Irving ’90 "Pay It Forward" Scholarship Thomas Adler-Mandile Antoinette A. Enyim Zachariah L. Foster Melina L. Franjul Joseph J. Gilbert Laila A. Hamilton Grace C. Lowe Abigail R. Mathieu Adria R. McKenzie Cameron A. Mcpherson Adam E. Quinlan Kevin M. Veguilla Esoteric Society Scholarship Brianna P. Hodgman Kaissy O. Kwakye Fenwick Society Scholarship Juliana M. Davis Jameson M. Dillon Sera N. Gagnon Garrett Conrad Scholarship Kathleen & Frederick Brissette Memorial Scholarship Lauren J. Keough Nicholas A. Paolo Kathleen Mary O'Neil Scholarship Julia A. Arena Shannon P. Cowan Autumn D. Garceau Cathryn B. Hynes Nia R. Manderson-Matheson NYPRO / Jabil Scholarship Ryan D. Darling Gregory J. Jimenez Grace Hope K. Kentsa Kaitlyn Soompholphakdy Thea Wysocki Philip J. ’57 & Anne C. Tardanico ’77, ’86 Scholarship Maddy J. Dawkins Jamesohn C. Lavalley Sterilite Scholars Jarrod D. Bowser Maxine C. Carbone Alex J. Ciampa Emma A. Daponte Melissa F. Guillaume Ava E. Hannon Lily A. Hay Erica Henry Adriana T. Kruger Diana H. Marquez Frias Robert B. Ovalle Nolan W. Sargent Leary Family Scholarship Ryann L. McCullough Nezuch Vittorioso-Gallagher Family Scholarship STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION Kevin L. Mumper Memorial Scholarship Student Government Association Scholarship Lucas F. Boudreau Zachary T. Carlson Kiley E. D'Angelo Olivia M. DeLuco Dominic J. Freeman Colby Hairston Mallory K. Judkins
- Fitchburg State to Take Back the Night on April 22Fitchburg State University will hold its annual Take Back the Night vigil against domestic, sexual and dating violence at 7 p.m. Monday, April 22 on the main quadrangle. The event is free and open to the public. For six decades, Take Back the Night events have raised awareness and highlighted resources for survivors and those affected by sexual violence, which is a concern on college campuses nationwide. According to the national organization, one in three women, one in six men, and two in three transgender people experience sexual violence at some point in their lives, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community experience sexual violence at even higher rates. This program is designed to take a stand against sexual and dating violence and march for justice, support, and empowerment. The Fitchburg State event is organized by the university’s Counseling Services Office and FAVE (Fitchburg Anti-Violence Education).
- Trumpeter Jay Daly to perform at Concert Band and Community Orchestra concertFitchburg State University’s Concert Band and Community Orchestra will present a free concert featuring guest trumpeter Jay Daly at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 25 in Weston Auditorium, 353 North St. Admission is free and open to the public. "It's widely known that Jay Daly is one of the premier trumpeters in the Northeast,” said Peter Mansfield, orchestrator and arranger with the Boston Pops Orchestra. “His virtuosity is matched by his stylistic versatility and he's a consummate professional." The concert will showcase Daly in a 12-minute featured medley consisting of popular music tunes from the 20th century that feature the trumpet as a solo instrument. Music from the Great American Songbook and chart-toppers of the 20th century will be featured. "If you're a fan of Louis Armstrong, Hoagy Carmichael, Herb Alpert, Chuck Mangione, the Beatles, or Maynard Ferguson you'll be in heaven,” said Assistant Professor Amy McGlothlin, who leads the Concert Band. “And if you've never experienced this music you are guaranteed a heart-touching experience that will leave you wanting more." The Fitchburg State Community Orchestra is composed of students, faculty members, and other musicians who live in the Greater Fitchburg community. The orchestra performs at numerous campus and community events. The Concert Band is open to all people with experience playing a band instrument. Its members include students, alumni, faculty and surrounding community members. The band performs twice per semester in Weston Auditorium. Anyone from any major is welcome. To learn more about Fitchburg State’s instrumental and choral programs, please visit fitchburgstate.edu/music.
- Absurdist plays to take the stage this monthTwo one-act plays that point out the bizarre, delightful and surreal nature of life will be presented as Fitchburg State University’s spring theater productions in April. The performances, collectively known as “Absurdist Alert!” will be held in the Wallace Theater for the Performing Arts in the McKay Complex at 67 Rindge Road. Admission is free and open to the public. “The Zoo Story,” written by Edward Albee and directed by Jo Nazro, is absurdist in mood and explores different themes of existentialism, isolation, loneliness, social disparity, and dehumanization in a materialistic American society. Scattered with suspense and provocative humor, the piece is a study of human behavior. “A Game,” written by Dennis E. Noble and directed by student Allison Thompson, is the story of three individuals who agree to participate in an experiment in which they are locked in a small room divided into three “equal” sections. Each section is given to one of the subjects and possesses a unique quality. Whenever the lights turn on, they must complete their only given task: stating ownership of their land. With every flick of the light switch, the subjects fight over their land. As they descend to madness, they showcase how far people are willing to go to be better than those around them. The plays will be performed at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 25 and Friday, April 26; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, April 27; and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 28. “Absurdist Alert!” is presented by the Communications Media Department.
- University dedicates new biotechnology laboratoryFitchburg State University celebrated the dedication of its new biotechnology research lab on Wednesday, April 10. From left, Dean of Health and Natural Sciences Jennifer Hanselman, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Patricia A. Marshall, Susan Templeton of State Sen. John Cronin’s office, Fitchburg Mayor Samantha Squailia, Massachusetts Life Sciences Center Vice President of Education and Workforce Programs Ryan H. Mudawar, University President Richard S. Lapidus, Biology and Chemistry Department Chairman Michael Nosek, and Biology and Chemistry Department Professor Erin Rehrig. Fitchburg State University dedicated its new biotechnology research laboratory this week during a daylong celebration of its investment in life sciences that included presentations by students and career networking opportunities. University President Richard S. Lapidus welcomed guests including representatives from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, MassBioEd and Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives, as well as local elected leaders who celebrated the impact of the laboratory and what it represents. (See more photos from the event on the Burg Blog.) The laboratory, located in the Antonucci Science Complex, was created by a grant worth nearly $750,000 from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MSLC), a quasi-public economic development and investment agency with a mission of supporting the growth and development of the life sciences in Massachusetts. “The laboratory’s equipment provides state of the art tools for hundreds of students in our STEM programs, who are guided by our dedicated faculty to develop skills and prepare for rewarding careers in the state’s fast growing life science industry,” President Lapidus said. “I thank our generous partners for investing in Fitchburg State’s students and their boundless potential.” MLSC Vice President of Education and Workforce Programs Ryan H. Mudawar said the new laboratory emerged from discussions with Fitchburg State faculty two years ago about their needs and aspirations for students in their disciplines. “That’s why the MSLC was created, to transform life sciences education,” said Mudawar. “We cannot continue to be a global leader if we don’t have a workforce development pipeline. You are the future of this industry.” The program, organized by the university’s School of Health and Natural Sciences and the office of Dean Jennifer Hanselman, included presentations by students who participated this academic year in paid research opportunities supported by a grant from the Moderna Charitable Foundation. Adama Bangura '24 Adama Bangura, a senior from Boston majoring in biology, worked with faculty mentor Dennis Awasibsah and fellow research scholars Zachary Desir and Jack Gangemi on a project exploring the efficacy of antimalarial drugs. Bangura said the research focus resonated with her as her family is from Africa, where malaria remains a potent concern. “Studying this is near and dear to my heart,” she said. Bangura, who like the other research participants was paid a stipend through the grant, said she learned new techniques and equipment through the project. “This experience has made me think a little differently about my career path,” she said. She is exploring graduate school options and is considering medical school. Stephanie Pelletier '24 Stephanie Pelletier, a senior from Ashby majoring in biology with a concentration in biotechnology, worked with faculty mentor Eric Williams and fellow research scholars Ahmed Mustafa, Cyan Neglawi, Melanie Mejia and Steven Basaistegui on a project modeling muscular dystrophy in cell culture. Pelletier said working on the project was educational and provided her with valuable perspective as she prepares to enter the workforce after graduation. “I’m really thankful to have this experience under my belt,” she said. “I won’t be starting from scratch.” Following the ribbon-cutting and tour, the day’s programs included a panel talk and career networking session with industry professionals that was presented in partnership with MassBioEd. (See photos from the panel and networking session on the Burg Blog.)
- University and Christ Church choirs present music of HaydnThe ongoing collaboration between the Fitchburg State University and Christ Church choirs continues this month with “The Heavens are Telling: The Music of Franz Joseph Haydn” at 4 p.m. Sunday, April 28. The concert will be held at Christ Church, 569 Main St. Admission is free with a $10 donation suggested at the door. The collaborative arts event combines university and community musicians, featuring music for voices and orchestra by renowned classical composer Franz Joseph Haydn. "It is always a joy and a privilege to bring together the musicians of Fitchburg State Choirs and Christ Church, and we are very excited to continue our long-term collaboration with this upcoming springtime show," said Associate Professor Jonathan Harvey, who will conduct the concert. There will also be an open rehearsal for this show at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 18 at Christ Church. The open rehearsal will be presented as part of the city's 01420 Week festivities. Admission to the open rehearsal is free. To learn more about Fitchburg State’s choral and instrumental ensembles, please visit fitchburgstate.edu/music.
- Presidential finalists named(Note - This press release has been modified to reflect the departure of a fourth finalist for the presidency). Three finalists have been named for Fitchburg State University’s next president. The candidates, selected in a nationwide search, will visit the university campus in the coming weeks to meet with campus constituencies including open forums with the general public. The university’s Board of Trustees will vote on the next presidential appointment and submit the name to the state Department of Higher Education for final approval. The next president will succeed Dr. Richard S. Lapidus, Fitchburg State’s 11th president, who has led the institution since 2015. The finalists will each spend two days on campus meeting with students, faculty, staff and alumni, as well as open sessions for external constituents. The finalists, in order of their scheduled campus visits, are: Dr. Karim Ismaili, Executive Vice President and Provost at Bridgewater State University. The public forum for Dr. Ismaili will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 11 in Ellis White Lecture Hall in Hammond Hall. Dr. Mark Overmyer-Velázquez, Dean and Chief Administrative Officer at the University of Connecticut-Hartford. The public forum for Dr. Overmyer-Velázquez will be at 1:45 p.m. Wednesday, April 17 in Ellis White Lecture Hall in Hammond Hall. Dr. Donna Souder Hodge, Vice President of Operations & Advancement at Colorado State University, Pueblo. The public forum for Dr. Souder Hodge will be at 2:15 p.m. Tuesday, April 23 in Ellis White Lecture Hall in Hammond Hall. The national search was led by a committee appointed by the Board of Trustees earlier this year, chaired by Trustee Eric A. Gregoire, himself a 2011 graduate of the university. The search committee included representation from the campus and community and worked with executive search firm WittKieffer to identify candidates for the post. “The opportunity to lead Fitchburg State generated substantial interest and today I'm proud to report the recommended finalists each embody the characteristics required of our next president,” Gregoire said. “These accomplished academic leaders come from diverse backgrounds and impressive experiences that distinguish themselves and with an understanding of our special role as a regional comprehensive university prepared to lead Fitchburg State to a dynamic and bright future. There are substantial opportunities and significant challenges the next president will contend with but they will be forging ahead with a campus and broader community energized by the opportunity to work together ensuring Fitchburg State will flourish for the benefit of our students present and future.” Additional information on the search may be found at fitchburgstate.edu/presidential-search.
- RESCHEDULED: Drag Show will benefit scholarship fundThe Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) at Fitchburg State University will present its 17th annual benefit drag show at 7 p.m. Friday, May 3, an event designed to entertain, enlighten, and share a great cultural experience with the community. (The event was originally scheduled for April 4 and rescheduled because of inclement weather.) The “Dancing Queens” drag show will be held at the Athletics and Recreation Center, 130 North St., Fitchburg. Proceeds from the show will support the LGBTQ Student Scholarship at Fitchburg State. The program is labeled as New England’s largest and oldest drag show. This year’s program will feature dancing and cabaret-style performances by 7 stage performers including Anita Cocktail, Destiny Boston, Jada Pinkette Fox, Abby Cummings, Lady Sabrina and Roxy Brooks, with Raquel Blake to be the Mistress of Ceremonies for the evening. DJ Scotty P will spin the tunes for the show, during which a major announcement will be made. The highly anticipated Drag Race, with students from the university, will crown a Drag Queen and a Drag King. “It is a thrill and honor to be able to advise this club for 23 years,” said Associate Director of Student Development Shane Franzen, who has organized the show since its inception. “Their commitment to change, education, and camaraderie is overwhelming. This show is a culmination of a year’s worth of hard work. With the negative rhetoric that the LGBTQ+ community faces every day, this show is such an important way for our students and Fitchburg State Community to combat such hate. We are very excited, ecstatic to be honest, to be able to make a major announcement at this year's show as a way to make change in the lives of our students and the Fitchburg community.” This event is for audiences aged 18 and over. Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for the public. Tickets can be purchased at the door the night of the show, or online at https://secure.touchnet.net/C20743_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=94&SINGLESTORE=true. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. before the 7 p.m. showtime
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