Fitchburg State University President Donna Hodge proclaimed it to be the “Year of Momentum” in her State of the University address on Wednesday, in front of students, faculty, staff and friends, at the Main Quadrangle on campus. It was a monumental day of momentum, as Hodge officially announced a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)—one that will expand access and opportunity for students across Fitchburg. The new agreement outlines the university’s new direct admissions initiative, designed to remove barriers, simplify access, and guarantee admission to students in good standing at their high schools. Starting next fall, any Fitchburg resident enrolled at one of the four city high schools who maintains a 2.25 GPA will be guaranteed admission to Fitchburg State and will attend tuition and fee-free, so long as they remain in good standing. Additional details may be found on the university’s website at fitchburgstate.edu/admissions-and-aid/direct-admissions. “It’s a clear, supported pathway to college,” said Hodge, the 12th president at Fitchburg State and first woman to hold the role at the university. “One that gives families certainty, gives school counselors a trusted partner, and gives students—especially first-generation students—a real and reachable future. This is equity in action. This is economic development in action. And this is a promise we are proud to make—and keep—right here in North Central Massachusetts, with the support of our Commonwealth and federal funding initiatives.” Fitchburg State established these new agreements with Fitchburg High School -- including Goodrich Academy -- Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School, St. Bernard’s High School and the Sizer School. “Together, we are building a future where every Fitchburg student knows: College isn’t just possible—if you’ve got the will and the commitment, it’s promised,” Hodge. Several scholastic partners joined President Hodge at the table for a ceremonial signing to conclude the address on Wednesday morning. Those school leaders included: Fitchburg Public Schools’ Superintendent Jon Thompson and Fitchburg High Principal Matthew Lamey; Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School’s Superintendent Thomas Browne and Principal Dayana Carlson; St. Bernard’s Principal Robert Carlin; and Sizer School’s Principal Andrew Lay and Executive Director Marc Gosselin. “President Hodge and I want to provide more opportunities for kids,” Thompson said. “President Hodge is really pushing the collaboration between Fitchburg and Fitchburg State. Whatever opportunity we can give kids and provide kids in order for them to be successful in college, we’re going to do it. This is just the beginning of our partnership. “I think it’s going to open up a lot of opportunities for kids who thought college wasn’t a possibility before,” Thompson continued. “I’m excited about it.” The program is designed to give students in Fitchburg the opportunity to attend college at no cost. “Now that we can have our students make this transition without having to worry about money or getting into places, knowing that as long as they work hard through high school they have this opportunity guaranteed to them,” Carlin said. “I think it’s going to change lives in our community.” Added Browne: “The fact that we have Fitchburg State right in our backyard and now that they are providing, not just affordable, but free (education), that’s the kind of thing that really puts it over the top. I think this program is going to be fantastic and have a big impact. We look forward to being able to share this with our students.” College can now be a reality, and Sizer’s Lay and Gosselin are thrilled that their students will have this as a legitimate educational option right at their fingertips. “It will broaden opportunities, open their eyes and give them opportunities to network and access a strong education in a way they may not have envisioned for themselves entering high school,” Lay said. “It makes things real for them.” For students at Sizer and across Fitchburg, Gosselin thinks that it’s a tremendous opportunity because it makes college a reality. “For many of our kids, especially North Central, they don’t see themselves as college students,” Gosselin said. “This totally unlocks that for them in a real powerful way.” In her first State of the University address a year ago, Hodge described her vision of Fitchburg State’s Year of Service: a time to listen, to learn, and to build trust. This year is the Year of Momentum: a time to accelerate the good work that’s begun and to refuse to lose steam. That momentum shows up in the numbers: nearly 6,000 total students this fall, including 740 new undergraduates—and 44 international students from 19 countries. “Fitchburg State is proud to serve this city and this region, but let me be clear: we are not just a regional campus,” Hodge said. “We are a statewide solution. A national asset. A public good.” President Hodge also honored this year’s group of Presidential Ambassadors, who are bold representatives of the university’s spirit, service, and momentum. They volunteer at high-level campus and community events. They meet alumni and legislators. They tour special guests around campus. And they do it all with poise, humility, and a deep love for Fitchburg State. “These students represent the best of who we are and the best of where we’re going,” Hodge said. Julia Arena and Matt Gill are returning Presidential Ambassadors, while this year’s new President Ambassadors include: Veronica Barton, Kole Broderick, Lexi Desimone, Priscilla Fordjour, Geybrell Liriano, Sophia Moore, Sydney Nortelus, Peter J (PJ) Norton, Alexis Sandmann, Reshawn Stewart and Aidan Thompson. “To our new Ambassadors: The green blazer you’re about to receive is not just a symbol,” said Dr. Christine Dee, Professor of History and Special Assistant to the President, who will supervise the ambassadors this year. “It’s a charge. To represent this campus with distinction. To serve with integrity. And to model the kind of community we all aspire to build.” President Hodge also officially announced that Dr. Travis Chambers – the Assistant Dean for Administration and Finance at the Georgia State University College of Law – will join the Fitchburg State family as its new Chief Financial Officer on December 1. The State of the University celebration also honored faculty and librarians who received tenure and promotion at the close of last year. The annual faculty and librarian awards were announced, along with welcoming the newest faculty emeriti. A new recognition started with the President’s Mission in Action Staff Awards—created to honor staff members who have gone above and beyond in service to our students and to the mission of this university. The event was streamed by FATV and may be viewed online. The Matriculation Ceremony in Weston Auditorium kicked off the day’s festivities on campus, formally welcoming incoming students in to officially join the Fitchburg State University community. The keynote speaker was Stephany Infante, of Lawrence, who graduated from Fitchburg State in 2016 with a degree in business administration. A self-described quiet student, she found her voice at Fitchburg State, embracing leadership opportunities that changed the course of her life. At 22, she became the first Hispanic woman elected to the Greater Lawrence Technical School Committee. In 2021, at the age of 27, she ran for public office and made history again, becoming the first person of color to represent the Lawrence district, as a city councilor, which she proudly still serves today. Currently, at 31, she is the youngest city councilor and the vice president of the Lawrence City Council. “I share my story with you today not to impress you, but to inspire you,” Infante said. “I want you to embrace the opportunities that await you at Fitchburg State. The path to your passion and purpose may not be a straight line. Sometimes, we need to open our eyes and minds to see that the solution to our problems is not to change our environment, but to change our perspective and take action. Once you realize that, you will be able to make decisions that truly uplift you.” Infante’s three pieces of advice are to get involved, embrace imperfection and build your own plan.

Fitchburg State University will launch the 2025-26 academic year with a celebration for students, faculty, staff and the wider community. University President Donna Hodge will present her second annual State of the University address at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday on the main quadrangle. The celebration will include the presentation of faculty and staff awards as President Hodge outlines her vision for her second year leading the institution. Following her address, which will focus on the theme of “momentum,” the campus will host a picnic on the quadrangle that is open to all. “I am proud to open another academic year at Fitchburg State, surrounded by colleagues, students, and partners who believe in the power of education to change lives,” President Hodge said. “This is a year of momentum for us—a time to stabilize where needed, heal what has been frayed, and transform for the future. What unites us is the joy and responsibility of our mission: to provide an excellent education to anyone with the desire and the will to seize the opportunity. Together, we will move this university forward with purpose and pride.” The celebration will begin earlier that day when the university formally welcomes its incoming class at a matriculation ceremony at 9 a.m. in Weston Auditorium. The ceremony will mark the official start of the academic journey for Fitchburg State’s new freshmen, transfer students and graduate students. Additional dates of note for the coming semester: The majority of new residential students will move in Sunday, Aug. 31, starting at 9 a.m. from the Wallace Civic Center. The northbound lanes of North Street will be closed to non-university traffic between Pearl and Ross Streets from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on that date. The majority of returning residential students will move in starting Tuesday, Sept. 2. There may be brief road closures around campus between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. that day. Fall semester classes will start at 8 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 4. Friday Night Lights: Fitchburg State football hosts Dean on Friday, Sept. 5 at 7 p.m. to kick off the season. The Bruins Fan Fest Tour – designed to grow the game of hockey throughout New England – flocks to the Wallace Civic Center at Fitchburg State University on Saturday, Sept. 6, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fitchburg State University is proud to be one of only three locations across the state and New Hampshire to host the Boston Bruins 2025 Fan Fest Tour. Rock the Block XXVII, where dozens of student clubs and organizations, along with campus offices, share information about extracurricular opportunities on and off campus, will be held on the main quadrangle and along Highland Avenue starting at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9. The rain date is Sept. 11. The 8th recruit officer course (ROC) of Fitchburg State’s groundbreaking police program will graduate at 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12 in Weston Auditorium, 353 North St. The 13 graduates, who completed their bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice in May and spent 17 weeks this summer in police academy training, will be certified as police officers ready to work in municipal departments in Massachusetts and neighboring states. On Monday, Sept. 15 at 3:30 p.m., join us for Constitution Day: "Rights, Wrongs and the Rule of Law: Understanding Due Process" with attorney and Fitchburg State alumnus Shane Rodriguez. Rodriguez, a member of the university’s Board of Trustees, is also an assistant professor of law at the Massachusetts School of Law and a former Leominster police officer. His talk will be presented in Hammond Hall room G01. Admission is free and open to the public. Hispanic Heritage Month will be observed from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. There will be a series of entertaining and informative events throughout the month and will be posted to the university website at fitchburgstate.edu. Homecoming 2025 events will be held on Thursday, Oct. 2 to Sunday, Oct. 5 and will include a pep rally at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2; a casino night and semi-formal dance at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3; and a carnival in the Ross Street parking lot from 4 to 10 p.m. Additional information on tickets will be posted to the Homecoming website. The Alumni Awards Brunch will be at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 5 at the Hammond Hall Main Lounge (invitation only). Additional information on news and events is posted on the Fitchburg State website at fitchburgstate.edu.

Fitchburg State University is proud to be one of only three locations across the state and New Hampshire to host the Boston Bruins 2025 Fan Fest Tour. The Bruins Fan Fest Tour – designed to grow the game of hockey throughout New England – flocks to the Wallace Civic Center at Fitchburg State University on Saturday, September 6, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. “The Wallace Civic Center is part of both Bruins history and our own story at Fitchburg State. Hosting Fan Fest here connects generations of hockey fans, celebrates the game’s roots in our region, and showcases the spirit that fuels our own championship athletics programs,” said Fitchburg State University President Donna Hodge. “We’re proud to be part of Fitchburg and North Central Massachusetts, where this rink has been a gathering place for decades. It’s an honor to welcome the Bruins back at a moment when momentum is building on our campus and across the community, and to share in an event that reflects the pride, resilience, and connection that define this region.” The Wallace Civic Center and Boston Bruins will always be intertwined. In the 1970s, the Bruins held their training camps at the Wallace Civic Center in front of packed crowds, as fans got to watch the likes of National Hockey legends Bobby Orr, Terry O’Reilly, Phil Esposito and Johnny Bucyk showcase their top-end ice hockey talents for all to see in Fitchburg. "It will be an honor to see generations of fans gather in a place where so many Bruins legends once skated," said University Police Chief Michael Cloutier, who oversees campus operations. “This rink is a part of Bruins history, and we're fortunate to be in a position to celebrate that legacy with the community. We anticipate a fantastic day at the Wallace Civic Center and wish for everyone to have a safe and enjoyable time.” Under the guidance of legendary hockey coach Dean Fuller, the Fitchburg State ice hockey team had championship success in March at the Wallace Civic Center, defeating the MCLA Trailblazers, 3-1, to capture the MASCAC title and earn a berth in the prestigious NCAA Division 3 tournament in Utica, N.Y. The Falcons have won three MASCAC ice hockey championships (2011, 2018, 2025) in the history of the program. Fans of all ages will have the chance to participate in hockey games, explore interactive exhibits, shop Bruins merchandise and more. The Boston Bruins Foundation will also be on-site with BFit Combine stations for various kid-friendly fitness activities. Members of the Bruins organization are expected to join the festivities at each stop of the Fan Fest Tour. At the Wallace Civic Center, kids who have signed up for the Bruins Academy Learn to Play program, presented by Pure Hockey, will have the opportunity to be fitted for brand new hockey gear. Registration for the Fall 2025 Learn to Play program opens Wednesday, August 13, at 12 p.m. Fans interested in learning more should click HERE. On-site equipment fittings at Fan Fest will be limited to participants who have pre-registered. Admission to each Fan Fest Tour stop is free, and fans are encouraged to pre-register to expedite entry. To pre-register and for more information, fans should click HERE. The Fan Fest begins at Chesna Memorial Rink in Hanover on September 5 (5-8 p.m.) and concludes on September 7 at Everett Arena in Concord, N.H. (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.)

Registration opens Tuesday, Aug. 5 for Fitchburg State University’s Adult Learning in the Fitchburg Area ( ALFA) fall courses, with offerings that will include weekly walks to learn about New England bird migration, the art of decluttering, ecology and fungi identification, a review of the role of recent Supreme Court cases, and autumn nature hikes in North Central Massachusetts. There are more courses available, including the art and craft of archives at the Fitchburg Historical Society, learning about American architecture, a nonfiction creative writing workshop, and a course that surveys the history of Venice. There are dozens of classes on the calendar, with the full program viewable online at fitchburgstate.edu/alfa. ALFA is a lifelong learning program that has served adult learners in Fitchburg and the surrounding communities for the past 20 years. The program provides opportunities for local residents with similar interests to meet in an informal setting and pursue learning for enrichment and personal growth. ALFA is sponsored by the School of Graduate, Online, and Continuing Education at Fitchburg State. Participants are encouraged to provide input and recommendations. Classes are taught by community members and full-time Fitchburg State faculty. Most courses are $45 (and free for students over age 90). A limited number of scholarships are available. 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 participants. Anyone with a specialty that they think others would be interested in should contact the ALFA Office at alfa@fitchburgstate.edu for details about becoming an ALFA instructor. The ALFA office is available Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Any questions call 978-665-3706, or email at alfa@fitchburgstate.edu.

The mission is simple: Empower, inspire and transform. Fitchburg State University’s Future Falcon Academy recently welcomed middle school students from Fitchburg, Leominster, Ayer/Shirley and Gardner for the Future Falcon Academy All Stars Summer 2025 event. This immersive full-day experience provided each student with a fun and meaningful introduction to university life. Students participated in a variety of engaging activities, including a self-defense workshop, a "walk and talk" session, and recreational time in the game room. The day also featured lunch at the Holmes Dining Commons, an interactive session exploring emergency and service vehicles up close at the Fitchburg State University Police Department, and an Upward Bound showcase to celebrate the talents and efforts of those talented participants. “The Future Falcon Academy is designed to introduce middle schoolers to the community and opportunities that Fitchburg State University offers,” Fitchburg State University Coordinator of the Future Falcon Academy Lourdes Ramirez said. “Whether it’s learning a new skill in the self-defense workshop, bonding during game room fun, or speaking with our campus police and safety professionals, every activity is intentional. We want the middle school students to feel empowered to envision themselves in higher education and know that they belong here at Fitchburg State University.” Ramirez says that events like these are all about creating positive, welcoming experiences that build confidence and can be the spark that drives a student to pursue their goals. “Exposure is everything,” Ramirez said. “For many students, especially first-generation college-bound youth, just stepping onto a college campus can shift their mindset. When they get to walk through the quad, eat in the dining hall, or meet professionals from educators to campus police, it makes the idea of college more tangible and real. We’re not just saying college is possible, we’re showing them what it looks like and, more importantly, what it feels like.” University Police Chief Michael Cloutier describes a commitment to fostering strong, foundational relationships between his officers and students, embracing every opportunity to engage with students. These interactions, he said, are crucial for building trust and open communication. “Our ongoing collaboration with Fitchburg State University's Future Falcon Academy is invaluable,” Cloutier said. “It's not just about fostering professional partnerships; it's a real opportunity to build positive relationships and trust with middle school children, shaping a safer and more connected future for everyone involved. I would like to thank our city partners – the Fitchburg Police and Fitchburg Fire departments – for their participation, as well as our university colleagues in the School of Education and Capital Planning and Maintenance.” The students said they loved the experience of being on campus and attending the Future Falcon Academy. “It’s a really nice place to be; it’s very calming and the classrooms are a really nice size,” said soon-to-be Leominster High ninth grader Gabrielle Ellis. “Everything just works together.” “Fitchburg State is really nice and I’m going to try to come here when I’m older,” said Longsjo Middle School eighth grader Enzo Nunez. In the self-defense workshop, instructed by owner Tonya Peters of Force Defense & Fitness of Holden, students gained knowledge, skills, and mindset to protect themselves in potentially dangerous situations. “I like self-defense because it teaches you how to protect yourself in future situations,” Ellis said. Angel Marroquin, a seventh grader at Sky View Middle School in Leominster, said he enjoyed playing billiards and Nintendo with his friends in the game room. Nunez enjoyed the Touch-a-Truck event in the parking lot of the police station. “I was excited to see what the fire trucks looked like on the inside, and what the police cars looked like,” he said. Fitchburg State University’s Future Falcon Academy and Future Educator Academy are innovative pipeline programs that open doors for underrepresented youth—especially English language learners—to see themselves as future college students and inspiring educators. Through immersive on-campus experiences and mentorship rooted in culturally responsive practices, these academies empower young learners to build confidence, find community, and dream big about their futures in higher education and the classroom. These programs are designed to: provide early access and hands-on experiences, foster identity and belonging, build clear pathways to higher education, grow a diverse educator workforce and champion culturally responsive learning.