Once again, Fitchburg State University has been recognized for upward social mobility in U.S. News & World Report’s annual ranking of colleges and universities. The ranking among regional universities reflects Fitchburg State’s success in enrolling and graduating large numbers of economically disadvantaged students. Fitchburg State’s ranking in its category was among the highest in Massachusetts. “Two of the pillars of Fitchburg State’s mission are access and affordability,” University President Richard S. Lapidus said. “We are proud of our continued success in creating opportunities for all students and helping them move forward in pursuit of their academic and career goals.” Lapidus said the university’s success in creating upward social mobility is tied to the work Fitchburg State is continuing in its latest strategic plan, whose three pillars are educational justice, being a student-ready campus, and inclusive excellence. Fitchburg State also ranked in U.S. News’ listings of top public schools among regional universities. To learn more about the U.S. News & World Report rankings, please visit https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/regional-universities-north/social-mobility.

Fifteen police officers took the oath of honor Friday, Sept. 10 when Fitchburg State University graduated its 4th Recruit Officer Course (ROC) in a ceremony at Weston Auditorium. The new officers, most of whom have already been hired by area police departments, are completing Fitchburg State’s first in the nation police program, wherein graduates complete bachelor’s and master’s degrees, plus full certification to work in police departments in Massachusetts and neighboring states, in five years. Officer Timothy N. Sheehy of Wakefield, the class leader, said the 15 officers sworn in Friday were brothers and sisters, united by their shared experiences over four years of undergraduate study and the rigors of the 17-week academy they just completed. There were 93 students in their cohort when they began in September 2017, he said, though only 15 saw it through to completion. “I’ll never forget everything we went through together,” he said. While the world of policing is under unprecedented scrutiny, Sheehy said he had no doubt his newly sworn colleagues have what it takes to make a difference in the profession. “We are the change the world needs,” he said. University President Richard S. Lapidus commended the officers for their success navigating the singular expectations placed on students in the police program, who must abide by strict academic, behavioral and physical standards. “Your commitment and your passion for your chosen career is admirable and commendable,” he said. Municipal Police Training Committee Interim Executive Director Robert J. Ferullo Jr., the retired chief of the Woburn Police Department, told the graduates their training would serve them well throughout their career. “We’re not just turning out police officers today; we’re turning out educated future police leaders,” he said.  Ferullo also said while the new officers were entering the profession during a turbulent time, they should not despair. “Don’t worry about police reform,” he said. “You do what’s right and you’re going to be fine.” Fitchburg State Academy Director Lisa Lane said the members of the 4th ROC were exceptional, undeterred in their commitment to rise to the challenges of their program of study and in pursuit of their career goals.  “Be safe, and go out there and be outstanding,” she said. The keynote address was given by Worcester Police Chief Steven M. Sargent, who thanked the graduates for joining the thousands of officers who gathered this summer to mourn the death of Worcester Police Officer Enmanuel “Manny” Familia, who was killed trying to rescue a drowning teen. Chief Sargent also talked about the singular challenges of the past year, from the ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic to massive protests over police conduct, to the heartbreak experienced in his own department by Officer Familia’s death. Still, he said, policing is a noble and satisfying profession. “You are all now members of the thin blue line,” he said. “You will have countless opportunities to change lives and to save lives.” Fitchburg State’s “4+1” police program was developed in collaboration with the MPTC. The academic curriculum of the academy is woven into students’ four-year undergraduate careers, with a 17-week academy occurring after the achievement of bachelor’s degrees, followed by a one-year master’s curriculum. Graduates of the program are “street ready” upon completion, saving police departments valuable resources. Learn more at https://www.fitchburgstate.edu/academics/programs/police-program-41-concentration-criminal-justice-bs. The members of the 4th ROC are: Nolan J. Baird of Fitchburg Shannon M. Burke of Salem Evangeline Cakounes of North Harwich Draine Colon-Rivera of Holyoke Ryan T. Costello of Holyoke Kaelen B. Farragher of Upton Spencer D. Fuller of Framingham Brandyn J. Geldart of Auburn Caleb M. Gonsalves of Mashpee Connor D. Guilbeault of Dartmouth Troy J. Paradise of Worcester Drew S. Ridenour of Mashpee Timothy N. Sheehy of Wakefield Cody R. Soderlund of Middleboro Colin J. Thomas of North Falmouth

Fitchburg State University will celebrate Latinx/a/o Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 with a series of events and programs organized around the theme “Be proud of your past, Embrace the future.” From a parade of nations represented in the university campus community to thought-provoking discussions featuring faculty members and invited guests including celebrated journalist Maria Hinojosa, the month's offerings will engage and inform, as well as entertain. Most of the programs are free and open to the public, though face coverings are required at indoor events. Beyond the events listed below, there will be a display of Latinx books in the Amelia V. Gallucci-Cirio Library throughout the month. Among the highlights of the month: The programs begin with a parade of nations at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 15 on the main quad, showcasing the diversity of the campus community. The program will also include a performance by the university’s concert choir. At 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 16, Professor Ben Railton from the English Studies Department will present a talk entitled “Why We Should All Read Mexican-American Author Maria Amparo Ruiz de Burton.” The discussion, in Ellis White Lecture Hall in Hammond Hall, will look at the author and how her work can enlighten all of us. There will be a virtual discussion on Leading for Change at Hispanic Serving Institutions at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 22 featuring Dr. Gina Ann Garcia, a leading scholar on Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), which are colleges and universities that enroll at least 25% Latinx undergraduate students. She is a scholar activist committed to disrupting the status quo of postsecondary education by bringing attention to the ways higher education has historically been committed to whiteness and regularly reinforces white narratives and white standards. The discussion can be joined online at https://meet.google.com/nab-sdro-dxp?authuser=0. The history of Latinos in Massachusetts will be spotlighted when guest speaker and radio host Jose Masso presents “We Stand on the Shoulders of Giants” at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 30 at Ellis White Lecture Hall in Hammond Hall. The university’s Center for Diversity and Inclusiveness will host the latest installment of Fitchburg State’s series of Courageous Conversations at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 5 with an analysis of the film “In the Heights,” focusing on media representation of Black people and antiblackness in Hispanic Latinx cultures. The program will be held in the main lounge at Hammond Hall. The evolution of the term “Latinx,” and its value and limitations in cultural politics and representation, will be explored in a virtual talk presented by Assistant Professor Karina Bautista of the Humanities Department and Assistant Professor Diego Ubiera of the English Studies Department at 3:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 8. The event will be held online at https://meet.google.com/tgr-hnvf-met?authuser=0. The month’s events close at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 15 with award-winning journalist Maria Hinojosa and her presentation “At the Root of Things: Breaking the Invisibility of Latinos/as/xs in Our Society.” The talk will be given in the main lounge of Hammond Hall. The university choir will also perform at the event. Hinojosa is the anchor and executive producer of Latino USA on National Public Radio, and the founder, president and CEO of Futuro Media Group. Maria Hinojosa's appearance is made possible in part through the generous support of the Newman Center Trust. For a full listing of events, please visit https://www.fitchburgstate.edu/student-support/diversity-equity-and-inclusion/center-diversity-and-inclusiveness/latinxao-heritage-month.

A panel discussion on the legal and ethical implications of COVID-19 restrictions will mark Fitchburg State University’s observance of Constitution Day at 12:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 17 in the main lounge at Hammond Hall, 160 Pearl St.  Admission is free and open to the public, though visitors to campus buildings are required to wear face coverings. The event will also be streamed online at meet.google.com/ynq-eqrg-sox. Masks. Vaccines. Passports. Lockdowns. The pandemic has raised many questions and issues that have constitutional as well as ethical implications. This panel talk, moderated by Professor Paul Weizer from the Economics, History and Political Science Department, will include students Miranda Gustin and Benjamin Hill, the captains of the university’s Moot Court team, whose case this year concerns vaccine mandates. The panel will also include Professor Zachary Miner from the Behavioral Sciences Department and Professor David Svolba from the Humanities Department.  The event, which will include an opportunity for discussion and questions, is presented in association with the university’s new general education program. Constitution Day is observed each year on Sept. 17, recognizing the anniversary of the document’s signing in 1787.