The Fitchburg State University CenterStage arts and culture series will present the classic rock band Orleans and Grammy-winning musicians Mark and Maggie O’Connor at Weston Auditorium this fall. Tickets for the fall shows are on sale now at SpectacleLive.com or by calling 1.800.657.8774. Platinum hit-makers Orleans, now celebrating 50 years of live performances, bring their talents to Weston Auditorium on the Fitchburg State campus at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30. Since their humble beginnings in Woodstock N.Y. and throughout countless worldwide tours, Orleans have set some very high standards. Here in 2022 and beyond, Orleans continues to meet and exceed those standards at every show, to the delight of audiences everywhere.  Praised by their peers for their songwriting skills, instrumental prowess and classic trademark harmonies, their iconic radio hits, including “Still The One,” “Dance With Me” and “Love Takes Time,” still resonate with audiences of all ages thanks to continued airplay on classic rock radio, television, film and streaming services.  Tickets are $20 for adults; $15 for senior citizens, Fitchburg State alumni and university employees; and $5 for Fitchburg State students. Tickets will be on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug 11 at SpectacleLive.com or by calling 800.657.8774. Mark and Maggie O’Connor concerts feature both vocal and instrumental music, performed on string instruments—violin, guitar, and mandolin. Their performances include solo violin compositions from Mark, violin duos arrangements with Mark and Maggie, Mark’s solo guitar performances, duets featuring Maggie's violin and Mark’s mandolin, new original vocal songs, and a few vocal classics. The Grammy-winning duo will bring their unique talents to Weston Auditorium on the Fitchburg State campus at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20. Mark and Maggie O’Connor have existed in an uninterrupted musical collaboration since the day they met in 2014. As they were perfecting the finer points of Mark’s American Classical violin duos, it got so good that they decided to get married. The next stage of their musical journey turned into a larger family collaboration for which they each took home a Grammy for playing bluegrass in the O’Connor Band. Now, they have turned yet another musical corner. With a year-and-a-half of isolation from touring during the world-wide pandemic, they dedicated their days and nights towards further musical growth together. The couple workshopped new songs during 70 weekly online concerts from home, “Mondays with Mark and Maggie.” A group of dedicated viewers watched as they made their musical experiments, some fans tuning in for all of them. What came out of this exploration is an Americana album project of mostly original vocal songs they sing together, other popular songs reimagined, and all of them supported by a small universe of acoustic instruments they’ve brushed up on in the time off the road. The album reveals the pair’s most sincere and deeply personal work yet. Tickets are $20 for adults; $15 for senior citizens, Fitchburg State alumni and university employees; and $5 for Fitchburg State students. Tickets for Fitchburg State students are $5. Tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 11 at SpectacleLive.com or by calling 1.800.657.8774.  WESTON AUDITORIUM With a capacity of 800 people, Weston Auditorium at 353 North St., Fitchburg, is among the university’s largest gathering places and is used for major performing arts and other campus events. SPECTACLE LIVE Spectacle Live was founded in 2012 to provide performing arts venues throughout New England with expert services in venue operations, booking and programming, venue and event marketing, venue programming and operational management, consulting, and event production. Since its founding, Spectacle Live has worked with more than a dozen New England venues on facility management, and in promoting, marketing, and producing hundreds of concerts, comedy, civic, educational, theatrical, and family entertainment events. Spectacle Live has also been a valuable consulting partner to municipalities and non-profit venue owners, developers, programmers, and operators. Spectacle Live has offices in Lexington and Lowell and Laconia, N.H. For more information, please contact Pete Lally, plally@spectaclelive.com  or 617.531.1257.

Registration is now open for Fitchburg State University’s Adult Learning in the Fitchburg Area (ALFA) Fall courses, with offerings that will include a review of major Supreme Court decisions from the last term as well as a course on the impact of technology on human thought and communication. There’s a book club on political and social issues and a course on how best to declutter and organize your digital photographs. Learn conversational Spanish for beginners or take your French skills to the next level. There are dozens of classes on the calendar, with the full program viewable online at fitchburgstate.edu/alfa. ALFA is a lifelong learning institute that serves adult learners in Fitchburg and the surrounding communities. ALFA is sponsored by the School of Graduate, Online, and Continuing Education at Fitchburg State in collaboration with volunteer members of the community. It offers non-credit daytime classes, trips, special events, and a free speaker series.  ALFA students are encouraged to volunteer and participate in program leadership and development, as well as social and recreational activities. Most courses are $45 (and free for students over age 90). A limited number of scholarships are available. The fall courses include an introduction to community journalism, musical offerings including ukulele and harmonica classes, fitness classes including yoga and barre stretch and tone, and a series of walkabouts on area hiking trails.  The season will also feature a five-part online series on important historical topics including the Reconstruction following the Civil War, the Weimar Republic in German history, and the evolution of the public library in Massachusetts. The participant-led ALFA salon also continues this fall, with Fitchburg State faculty and other guests leading discussions on topics ranging from local abolitionist history to the U.S. labor movement and the university’s plans to redevelop the Main Street theater into a performing arts center. See the complete course listing and register online at marketplace.fitchburgstate.edu/alfa.  ALFA is always on the lookout for new instructors and new subject matter to share with its students. Anyone with a specialty that they think others would be interested in should contact the program directors at alfa@fitchburgstate.edu for details about becoming an ALFA instructor. Also, direct any questions to the ALFA office at 978-665-3706, or email at alfa@fitchburgstate.edu.

Members of the 6th Recruit Officer Course demonstrate motor vehicle accident investigation skills while an audience of family, friends and invited dignitaries looks on. (See additional photos from Family Orientation on the university blog.) Eleven recent graduates of Fitchburg State University comprise its 6th Recruit Officer Course, and are spending their summer completing a 17-week academy that will conclude with their certification to report for duty at municipal police departments in Massachusetts and neighboring states. On Tuesday, family members and other honored guests came to see them in action, and to learn more about the groundbreaking program that university and state leaders hope marks a new direction for the police profession. Paul Charpentier, a retired detective patrolman who served on the Leominster Police Department for 32 years, watched with pride as his grandson Martin Zimei was put through the paces for a training exercise that was offered as part of the family program on Tuesday.  “It’s something he’s wanted to do since he was this high,” Charpentier said, putting his hand near his knee. “I’m honored by it. To see it come to fruition is outstanding to me.” Charpentier said he was a believer in Fitchburg State’s police program, which was developed in collaboration with the state Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC). The 11 members of the 6th ROC completed their bachelor’s degrees in May, and entered the academy just days later. Following completion of the academy in September, they will receive their police certification and may continue pursuing their master’s degrees in criminal justice. “We are particularly proud of this program,” Fitchburg State President Richard S. Lapidus told the crowd of parents, grandparents, siblings and friends gathered for the family orientation program. “What makes this program unique is its combination of policing theory and practice, embedded in the curriculum. The world of policing is changing, and we believe we’re providing a new way of thinking about the profession.” Massachusetts Assistant Undersecretary for Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Angela F. Davis also greeted families of the 6th ROC. “It’s been an honor to support your recruits,” she said. “We’re so fortunate to have an articulation agreement with an institution of higher education of this caliber. You can take comfort knowing this program and the team that’s been assembled is pretty incredible. To all of you, you should be very, very proud of your recruits, because we are.” MPTC Executive Director Robert Ferullo, the retired chief of police for the city of Woburn, described his own commitment to Fitchburg State’s program, which has drawn national and international attention. “This program turns out future leaders,” he said. “The new generation of educated police officers will build a new police profession.” Ferullo also said the program serves as an investment in the success of municipal police departments, who benefit from the ability to hire certified police officers without having to pay them for the months it takes to complete the traditional academy. “Every hire saves cities and towns $60,000,” he said. Guests also heard from Academy Director Lisa Lane McCarty and members of her academy staff, which includes full-time police officers from other communities as instructors. Lane shared the personal connections she has made with all of the recruits and described her belief in their future success. While the academy curriculum and physical requirements are demanding, Lane told the families to know the drill staff are rooting for all of the officers to thrive. State Rep. Michael Kushmerek and Beth Walsh from State Sen. John Cronin’s office were also among the guests at this week’s family orientation and offered their support for the program. Steve and Maureen Morris of Ludlow came to the event to learn more about the program their son, Andrew Morris, is experiencing. “We felt great about the program since the very beginning,” Steve Morris said. “It was a great way for him to get his four-year degree and continue on.” Maureen Morris agreed. “This is what he’s always wanted to do,” she said. Ellen Barber of Sandwich, whose son Joshua is a member of the 6th ROC, said she appreciated the atmosphere of support she observed for the future officers. “It’s outstanding, the fabulous opportunity these young people have to learn in an environment with professionals by their side.” All of the members of the 6th ROC have either been hired by departments or are in the process of being hired.

Fitchburg State University President Richard S. Lapidus shared the following statement with students, faculty and staff on Thursday, June 29. To the campus community, This morning, the Supreme Court issued a decision that will have a significant impact on admissions in higher education. I want to share with all of you that Fitchburg State, along with our sister institutions, will continue to ensure that students of color, first-generation college students, LGBTQIA+ students, and other historically underrepresented populations are able to access the high-quality, post-secondary educational opportunities we offer and they deserve.  Making higher education opportunities accessible for students has long been one of our core institutional values. As such, we are committed to working with state leaders and other institutions of higher education to ensure that all students continue to see themselves as valued members of our campus community. Fitchburg State University has long welcomed students regardless of their race, national origin, citizenship or immigration status. We believe in providing all individuals, particularly those who face socioeconomic barriers to opportunity and advancement, with the ability to earn a degree and contribute to the economic, social and civic life of their communities. I am proud of the important work our institution does every day to support our students, now and into the future. Thank you. Richard S. Lapidus President

The university recently formalized a transfer agreement with Rhein Waal University of Applied Sciences in Kleve, Germany. The pact was signed by (from left) Professor Paul Weizer, President Lapidus, and Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Patricia Marshall. The longstanding educational partnership between Fitchburg State University and Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences in Kleve, Germany is taking a leap forward with the signing of a new transfer agreement.  The parties held a virtual signing ceremony on Friday, June 23. The agreement spells out clear transfer opportunities between the institutions, enabling students from both countries to complete baccalaureate degrees. Under terms of the pact, German students may complete Fitchburg State’s Bachelor of Science in economics with a concentration in international business and economics, while American students may complete a bachelor of arts in international business administration through Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences (HSRW). Kleve, Germany and Fitchburg have been “sister cities” for more than three decades. “Fitchburg State has enjoyed a long and mutually beneficial relationship with Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences, in which our students and faculty have taken part in meaningful interactions, both in-person and in virtual space,” Fitchburg State President Richard S. Lapidus said. “This new agreement outlines clear pathways for students from both countries to pursue powerful academic credentials, and creates tremendous opportunities for our future graduates.” “The cities of Fitchburg and Kleve have been sister cities for more than 30 years and thus maintain friendly relations between the Lower Rhine and Massachusetts,” said HSRW President Oliver Locker-Grütjen. “I am pleased that we are now taking a step further in the cooperation between the two educational institutions to deepen ties and exchanges.” Delegations from the partner institutions have made several trips to each other’s campuses, with a cohort of students and faculty from Fitchburg State visiting the German institution this spring as part of a course on major themes in contemporary European history, politics and economics. The Heart of Europe class will next be offered in Spring 2025. Officials from both institutions have signed the agreement, and a celebration of the expanded partnership will be held when the delegations may gather in person.

Fitchburg State University has once again been recognized by Massachusetts Colleges Online with four Courses of Distinction Awards, including accolades for use of free educational resources. “Fitchburg State has long embraced the potential of digital education, and these awards acknowledge the effort and skill of our faculty and course designers in creating meaningful and accessible courses,” University President Richard S. Lapidus said. “I am grateful for the creativity and ingenuity of our faculty and staff to use all available tools in service to our students.” The university’s award winners include two from the Education Department: Professor Joann B. Nichols for the online synchronous course called Investigations, and Associate Professor Robert Shapiro for the online asynchronous course Concepts and Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis. Also recognized were two courses that use open educational resources: Associate Professor Kisha Tracy of the English Studies Department’s course World Literature: Myths and Traditions, and Professor Ricky Sethi of the Computer Science Department’s class Computer Science I. “The Courses of Distinction recognition speaks to the quality of our online courses and the care that our faculty take to make sure their courses are not just current, but that they provide a unique experience for students that promotes engagement and rigor,” said Dean Becky Copper-Glenz of the university's School of Graduate, Online and Continuing Education. Fitchburg State Director of Digital Learning Ralph Fasano said the university’s continued recognition for Courses of Distinction reflect an institutional commitment. “It’s constantly being able to push ourselves to innovate in the digital learning space, and to meet the students where they need to be met,” he said. “Our faculty take a reflective look at what’s working and are movers and shakers in this space.”  Massachusetts Colleges Online (MCO) is a collaborative of public state higher education institutions involved in the design, delivery, management, and assessment of online, blended, and other technology-mediated learning formats. The collaborative provides opportunities for all members to address the issues and challenges arising from professional practice, and the pooling of financial and intellectual capital toward the development and enhancement of services. Representatives from its 24 member campuses meet monthly during the academic year to share best practices and identify new opportunities for collaboration.

Fitchburg State University students and faculty are traveling across the globe this summer, enjoying life-changing experiences through scholarship-funded, credit-bearing expeditions. Within days of the end of the Spring 2023 semester, students and faculty were disembarking for global destinations, including 14 students who traveled to Verona, Italy with Professor Monica Maldari of the Exercise and Sports Science Department. While in Verona, the students are taking Maldari’s course on the Mediterranean diet and lifestyle (see photos on the university’s Instagram page). In addition, Professor Juane Huang of the Earth and Geographic Sciences Department led a group of students to Peru as part of a course in which they studied the intersection of social, political and environmental issues affecting the country (again, see photos from the trip on the university’s Instagram page). While there, they visited Machu Picchu and toured a recycling plant and biodiesel conversion facilities that are helping to mitigate the impacts of tourism on the area.  Many of the students enrolled in these courses received financial support to help fund their travels through Fitchburg State’s Global Ambassador Scholarship program. “Studying abroad is a powerful experience and we are honored that we are able to connect students with these life-changing opportunities,” University President Richard S. Lapidus said. “Our Office of International Education works closely with faculty from across the campus to facilitate these programs that deepen student learning in profound and lasting ways.” A dozen students recently arrived in Japan with Associate Professor Jon Amakawa of the Communications Media Department connected to a course on arts and game design (as part of a partnership with UMass Lowell). Another group of students will travel to Spain in July with Associate Professor Felicia Farron-Davis and Assistant Professor Scott Tyner of the Education Department for a course on facilitating English language instruction. Earlier this year, students traveled to the Netherlands, Germany and Poland with Professor Joshua Spero of the Economics, History and Political Science Department to study the Heart of Europe, while another group traveled to Milan, Italy with Professor Renee Scapparone of the Business Administration Department as part of a class on luxury brand management. Learn about Fitchburg State’s study abroad opportunities at fitchburgstate.edu/academics/undergraduate-academics/study-abroad, which include faculty-led programs as well as those offered through partner agencies.

Fitchburg State University is launching a new podcast series that will feature student voices discussing life on campus and institutional history. “Perseverantia: The Fitchburg State Podcast Network” is available wherever podcasts are streamed, and can also be found on the university website at fitchburgstate.edu/podcast. The name of the podcast is a tribute to the university motto, perseverantia, Latin for “perseverance” (and there’s already a mini-episode posted about its formal pronunciation).  The podcast project emerged from a collaboration between Associate Professor Katherine Jewell of the Economics, History and Political Science Department and Associate Professor Kevin McCarthy of the Communications Media Department, each of whom have used podcasts in their classes as a means to teach students about history and storytelling. Perseverantia seeks to apply and disseminate Fitchburg State’s unique combination of expertise in media production and engaging content creation that highlights the academic, social, and community connections and voices of the university and central Massachusetts.  The podcast series was launched with support from the university’s Academic Innovation Fund grant program.  “My research into university and student media in the 20th century U.S. showed me how central and meaningful such products can be to building academic and campus communities,” Jewell said. “With this project, we envision a new kind of aural university media that can build on Fitchburg State’s academic strengths as well as offer productions that speak to the broad range of activities on our campus that go beyond research.” “This project has allowed me to merge documentary storytelling with audio production, while providing opportunities to students interested in building new skills and a professional portfolio through the medium of podcasting,” said McCarthy. “Perseverantia has been a terrific excuse to forge connections across campus, with faculty, staff, students, and the community beyond.”  The series launched with “FalconCast,” produced by students in McCarthy’s Spring semester podcasting class. In this series, students explore overlooked areas of campus life, including student activities, capstone projects, or people on campus whose work goes on behind the scenes. All aspects of FalconCast are student-produced, including the show’s artwork. Other shows on the network will include: “Perspectives” - This show explores the many voices of Fitchburg State’s community. Series feature conversations with students, faculty, and staff in the “Five with a Falcon” segments, or longer-form interviews with alumni.  “Classroom Stories” - Students come to Fitchburg State University for academic enrichment and the innovative pedagogy offered in its classrooms. Classroom Stories feature the work of students and learning communities and the exciting explorations in the content of the many disciplines available for study at the university.  Special Series: “The Empty Campus” - Some stories require multiple episodes to explore their many facets, and Perseverantia’s special series explore issues related to campus life, in-depth research and scholarly explorations, or longer narratives drawing from the classrooms and lives of our community. “The Empty Campus” features oral histories about the campus community’s experiences during the Covid-19 pandemic. “Getting to The Point” - Produced by journalists at Fitchburg State’s student-run newspaper, The Point, this series offers behind-the-scenes and in-depth reporting about newsworthy events on campus or in the community or features longer-form conversations with newsmakers. McKenzie Calvao, a rising junior from South Dennis, was a writer and co-host for the first episode of the “FalconCast” series. “I hope listeners of the Perseverantia podcast will be able to listen to these conversations and stories from their peers and get a better understanding of the community we have at Fitchburg State,” said Calvao, who hopes to pursue a career in screenwriting after graduation. “It was insightful being involved in so many different student experiences and I hope that listeners can get that from listening to the episodes as well. I think working on the podcast has shown me another avenue for my own creative endeavors and provided me with skills and understanding of how podcasts work that I can apply to personal projects going forward, including my own podcast in the future.” Zoe Chrisostomides, a rising sophomore interdisciplinary studies major from Scotch Plains, N.J., said she was encouraged to join the podcasting effort through her journalism classes at Fitchburg State. “I’ve always loved writing,” she said. “Ever since I was a kid, English and writing were my favorite classes.” Podcasting provides a powerful mechanism to produce and share journalism, Chrisostomides continued. “It’s creating relatable content that people can listen to,” she said. “The podcast will be awesome, especially for communications majors. For someone who’s not really sure what they want to do, I think getting into podcasting is a great way to get involved.” Adam Fournier, a rising junior from Southbridge, is a producer and editor for the podcast. He said his work on the show built upon editing skills he has honed in his film/video classes. “I hope that listeners will get a feel for what life on campus is like,” he said. “I presented the idea of the show having a laid-back tone to capture the essence of the students and campus life. Episodes will also offer insight into the life of Fitchburg State grads, where they present the highlights of their lives on campus and what life is like after leaving Fitchburg State. I think these episodes in particular will inspire potential future students to apply to Fitchburg State when they hear how highly graduates talk about the university, its programs, and its faculty.” Matthew Baier, a rising senior from Milford, said the podcast was “a perfect fit” with his audio recording skills connected to film studies. “I hope listeners learn more about the stories and experiences of people on campus and the community,” Baier said. “After Fitchburg State, I plan to go into the film industry being a sound recordist on film sets. My experience working on Perseverantia has added to my audio editing experience and will help me in the future.” Learn more and listen at fitchburgstate.edu/podcast.