Fitchburg State University has renewed its longstanding partnership with Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences (HSRW) in Kleve, Germany, through a newly signed international exchange agreement that will expand academic and cultural opportunities for students and faculty at both institutions. A delegation from the university also traveled to the University of Warsaw in Poland to formalize a new exchange agreement with that institution, the largest institution of higher education in the country. The Rhine-Waal agreement was signed in May at a formal ceremony on the HSRW campus, with both university presidents—Dr. Donna Hodge of Fitchburg State and Prof. Dr. Oliver Locker-Grütjen of Rhine-Waal—affirming a shared commitment to international engagement and student-centered collaboration. This year’s signing marks a significant milestone in the relationship between the two institutions, which began in 2011 under President Robert Antonucci as part of the long-standing Fitchburg–Kleve Sister City initiative. Under President Hodge’s leadership, the 2025 visit brought together, for the first time, a united delegation of university, legislative, and city leadership in Kleve—underscoring a bold new era of regional-global partnership. “This is about more than international study—it’s about forging shared purpose across borders,” said President Hodge. “Now more than ever, we are called to build bridges that connect our students to a larger world, our communities to new opportunities, and our campuses to global networks of learning and leadership. I am deeply grateful to our hosts in Kleve for their warmth, and excited for the future this partnership makes possible.” The renewed agreement outlines a range of student and faculty opportunities, including short- and long-term exchanges, co-taught courses, joint research, and collaborative programming. Students from either institution will be able to study at the partner university for up to a full academic year, paying the same tuition they would at home—with all credits fully transferable. Rhine-Waal President Oliver Locker-Grütjen emphasized the importance of the partnership. “We are very proud of the collaboration between our two institutions. This is not just a symbolic partnership; it has translated into real academic exchanges and joint projects. It’s a perfect example of how international cooperation in higher education can work effectively.” The Fitchburg State University delegation included Fitchburg Mayor Samantha Squailia, State Representative Michael Kushmerek—chair of the Massachusetts Legislature’s Polish-American Caucus and two-time alumnus of Fitchburg State—Chief of Staff Matthew Bruun, and Student Government Association President Michael Burns. The delegation departed days after Fitchburg State’s Spring commencement ceremonies, where the first shared degree recipient crossed the stage. Paras Kumar of Straelen, Germany, completed a Bachelor of Science degree in economics from Fitchburg State, as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Business Administration from Rhine-Waal. The visit also coincided with Fitchburg State Professor Joshua Spero’s “Heart of Europe” study abroad course, in which nine Fitchburg State students traveled through the Netherlands, Germany, and Poland. During their time in Kleve, students from both universities shared academic and cultural experiences on and off campus. The visit culminated in a community reception hosted by Kleve’s Sister City Committee, bringing together academic and civic leaders from across the region. “This trip reflects the power of public higher education to connect people, places, and purpose,” Hodge said. “It marks the beginning of a deeper, more intentional global presence for Fitchburg State—and we are just getting started.” About Fitchburg State University Founded in 1894, Fitchburg State University is a regional public institution dedicated to integrating high-quality professional programs with a strong liberal arts foundation. The university serves approximately 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students with more than 30 undergraduate and 22 graduate degree programs. Fitchburg State is proud to serve as a center of educational excellence, economic development, and civic engagement in North Central Massachusetts and beyond. About Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences, with campus locations in Kleve and Kamp-Lintfort, Germany, enrolls 6,200 students representing more than 120 different nationalities. The university offers 26 bachelor’s and 11 master’s degree programs spanning engineering, technology, economics as well as social, natural and health sciences. The majority of its degree programs are taught in English. The university was founded in 2009. About the University of Warsaw Founded in 1816, the University of Warsaw is the largest university in Poland and regarded as the best research center in the country. Nearly 40 000 students and doctoral candidates are educated in its organizational structures. The high quality of teaching is reflected in the results of rankings that place the university among the top 3% of universities in the world.

Fitchburg State University Dean of Students Tim St. John has been selected to participate in the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU)’s prestigious Emerging Leadership Program in Washington, D.C. The Emerging Leadership Program ( ELP) is designed for academic and administrative professionals to gain a greater appreciation of the Academy, and build the skills and mindset to lead campus initiatives and advance to more senior leadership roles. Participants graduate with skills, connections, and support necessary to navigate the transition to higher administrative roles. During the course of the program, participants will assess their individual leadership style and strengths and apply the skills learned in the instructional portion of the program to a project/initiative on their home campus over the course of the academic year. “Tim St. John has been a trusted partner during an important period of transition at Fitchburg State, and his leadership continues to elevate the student experience in meaningful ways,” said Fitchburg State President Donna Hodge. “As someone who deeply values the impact of AASCU’s leadership development programs, I know this experience will not only strengthen Tim’s work but also further our efforts to build a more inclusive, engaged, and student-ready campus. I’m incredibly proud that Tim will represent Fitchburg State among a national cohort of changemakers.” “I am deeply honored to have been selected for this prestigious program,” St. John said. “I’m incredibly grateful to President Hodge for encouraging me to apply and for her unwavering support of my professional growth and development. Participating in ELP will deepen my understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities facing public higher education today, while strengthening my leadership skills to meet this critical moment. I am especially excited to connect with fellow program participants and esteemed faculty. I look forward to applying the insights and skills gained through ELP in meaningful ways to impact both my work and leadership at Fitchburg State - always in service to our incredible students.” St. John said he will be looking to develop his knowledge base and strategic thinking about specialized populations on the Fitchburg State campus, including online students, adult learners, veterans, and students who are parents. The AASCU experience will also include the development of a campus-based project, in which St. John will work on leading a coalition of campus colleagues to support a sense of belonging and engagement for online students. St. John joined the Fitchburg State campus in January 2024 and has functioned as chief student affairs officer since May 2025. His higher education experience includes service at Clark University and the University of New England.

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.