Pride filled Weston Auditorium on the Fitchburg State University campus on Friday, as the university held the graduation of its latest police academy cohort, with 11 of the 13 graduates already hired by municipal police departments across Massachusetts. The 8th Recruit Officer Course (ROC) members proudly completed the groundbreaking police program that blends academic and tactical training, allowing graduates to complete both bachelor’s and master’s degrees, along with full certification to work in municipal police departments in just five years. The program was developed in collaboration with the Massachusetts Municipal Police Training Commission (MPTC). Class leader Brody Tapply reminded all his classmates of how far they’ve come in this journey and everything they’ve learned throughout this process. “I want you all to take a moment and reflect on who you were walking onto this campus four years ago,” said Tapply. “I want you to remember all of the late night studying, endless exams, and numerous qualifications. In the moments that you thought it would never end, look at us now. I want you to continue to be the best version of yourself not only for you, but for your communities, your departments, and your families. Do not forget to hold onto everything you have learned. Take this mentality, and continue to pursue anything and everything in your future. Always keep yourself accountable, and put your full heart and effort into everything you do.” Tapply told his classmates that there will definitely be hard days as a police officer. “During those times, remember everything you have put into where you are right now, and why you are who you are,” he said. “Without the structure we received as a class, it is impossible to think that we would be where we are today.” The 8th ROC didn’t accomplish this journey alone, however. “The dream, and goal that we have accomplished, would not have been made possible without (Academy) Director (Ola) Wysocki, our drill instructors, physical training staff, and the family and friends joining us today.” Tapply made sure to credit Wysocki for her “continuous devotion to our class, and the entire police program, is wholeheartedly special.” He continued: “Your passion for making sure we become the best versions of ourselves, does not go unnoticed. Day in and day out, you made sure that we stepped into the right direction, and constantly supported us towards our goals. Without your devotion, we would not be who we are today. Thank you for going above and beyond, to guide us, educate us, and move us towards our ultimate goal.” Fitchburg State President Donna Hodge also addressed the graduates and guests. “This academy is more than a program,” Hodge said. “It is a promise. A promise that public higher education and public safety can work hand in hand. A promise that innovation and integrity can meet in the same training ground. A promise that Massachusetts can lead the nation in preparing those who serve and protect. “And today, we fulfill that promise through you—graduates who have proven yourselves across your undergraduate degrees and the past seventeen weeks of relentless challenge,” Hodge said. “You studied. You trained. You endured. You met every test of character, discipline, and resolve. And now you stand ready to take the oath not only as officers, but as guardians.” The president thanked the families in attendance for making sacrifices for their loved ones, and to the chiefs and departments for hiring these new graduates. “And to our graduates—this is your day,” Hodge said. “From this day forward, the responsibility you carry is immense. The authority you hold is profound. And the example you set will help shape not just the safety of our streets, but the trust of our communities, and the strength of our democracy. We are proud to call you graduates of Fitchburg State University. We are grateful for your service. And we are hopeful for the future you will help build. Be safe. Serve with honor. Lead with heart. Let the momentum of this achievement carry you forward into a career of service and distinction. And know that today, and always, you carry the confidence of this university and this Commonwealth.” Wysocki recounted when the 8th ROC began their academy training on May 19, and the successes and setbacks of the ensuing 17 weeks. A weekly tradition for the class was her Friday speech about making “good decisions” over the weekend. Now, Wysocki is asking each new officer to make good decisions with their time, energy and work. “The most valuable commodities you have are your time and ability to be kind,” she said. “Let me say that again, your most valuable commodities are your time and kindness. Be generous with both. Make time for family and friends, especially when you feel like you have no time. Do not get sucked into living to work, and when you inevitably do, change your priorities. Lead with kindness, whenever tactically feasible. If you want to change the world, start by being the kind of officer you will want for your family. “Do not worry about the apparent effect you have on the world, be diligent in doing the best you can in all circumstances,” she said. “We have given you a firm foundation, now it is up to you to hone your craft. I hope you all feel a sense of accomplishment, and a feeling of knowing yourselves better than you did 17 weeks ago. Never forget where you come from, and if you do, we are always here to remind you.” University Police Chief Michael Cloutier said the oath these graduates have taken is about more than just enforcing laws; it's a promise to be in service to others and to develop meaningful relationships with their communities. “Our hope is that each of them will be the person who stops to talk to children in the park, or knows the local business owners by name,” Cloutier said. “Because that is where true trust begins, and it's the most powerful tool they will ever have.” State Rep. Michael A. Kushmerek – a two-time Fitchburg State alum – MPTC Director of Training Andrea Nardone, and Fitchburg Mayor Samantha Squailia were also in attendance. The members of the 8th ROC and the departments that have hired them include Class Leader Brody Tapply (Lunenburg Police Department), First Squad Leader Adam Bourgault (Fitchburg Police Department), Joshua DiPersio (Chelmsford Police Department), Kyle Dupuis (Hopedale Police Department), Julia Marsell (not hired yet), Colin Bozek (not hired yet), Thomas Farr (Littleton Police Department), Second Squad Leader Kayla Forbes (Rockland Police Department), Shea Lucontoni (Newburyport Police Department), Asha Speller (Tewksbury Police Department), Owen Williams (Ashburnham Police Department), Shane Bissanti (Walpole Police Department), and Christopher Black (Gardner Police Department). Class Awards: Academic Achievement Award – Julia Marsell Physical Training Achievement Award – Thomas Farr Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC) Award – Shane Bissanti Firearms Training (“Top Gun”) Award – Brody Tapply Rifle Training (“Top Gun”) Award – Shea Lucontoni 100 Percent Award – Brody Tapply Click to read in-depth magazine profiles on Tapply, Forbes, Farr and Bourgault. To learn more about the police program, please visit https://www.fitchburgstate.edu/academics/programs/police-program-41-con…

Fitchburg State University will observe Constitution Day with a series of programs exploring the concept of due process. The programs, sponsored by the university’s General Education program, will begin with a talk at 3:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 15 by attorney and Fitchburg State alumnus Shane Rodriguez entitled “Rights, Wrongs and the Rule of Law: Understanding Due Process.” 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 to the Constitution Day events is free and open to the public. Constitution Day commemorates the formation and signing of the U.S. Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787. Fitchburg State’s observances are planned and organized by the General Education Program, with campus experts on the Constitution and the law collaborating on a theme. The planned events focus on that theme as well as how different general education learning outcomes work together: The Center for Teaching and Learning in the Amelia V. Gallucci-Cirio Library will present “The Unplanned Curriculum: Navigating Newsfeeds and Nuance in the Classroom” at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 16. The Constitution Day keynote address will be given by Hon. David J. Breen, First Justice, and Hon. Lisa Ann Grant (Boston Municipal Court), presenting “What Is Due Process of Law?” at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17 in the Hammond Main Lounge. Assistant Professor Michael McCutcheon of the Behavioral Sciences Department will host a session entitled, "Due Process and Law Enforcement" at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18 in Ellis White Lecture Hall in Hammond Hall. Professor J.J. Sylvia of the Communications Media Department will present “Due Process Ethics: From Sullivan to Social Media” at 11:15 a.m. Friday, Sept. 19 in the Miller Oval at Miller Hall. The Constitution Day programs are presented with funding from the university’s Office of Student Development.

Fitchburg State University’s first art exhibition of the academic year will feature the inspiring 360-degree panoramic work of Ricardo Barros in “An Entanglement of Space and Time.” Barros’ work will be exhibited in the Hammond Hall Art Gallery through Friday, Oct. 17. There will be an opening reception at 3:30 Thursday, Sept. 18 at the Gallery. Gallery hours are Monday-Thursday (7 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.), Friday (7 a.m. to 5 p.m.), Saturday (noon-5 p.m.) and Sunday (noon-11:30 p.m.). Barros’ 360-degree panoramic photographs record everything visible from a particular point in space. Dozens of shots, each looking in a different direction, are digitally stitched into a single, seamless image. “Were I to present the resultant image on a computer, the viewers’ experience would be one of virtual reality,” Barros said. “They could choose where to look, and their perception would resemble that of someone physically in that setting. Flattening the panorama into a two-dimensional photograph distorts how that setting is represented. And because it takes time to make the required shots, a person photographed at one location in one shot may reappear at a different location in a different shot. Yet, in the finished panorama, they are concurrently present. Our reconstruction of a person’s path to progress from Point A to Point B asserts a logical sequence of events and, indirectly, acknowledges the passage of time. Thus, we make sense of what we see. Except that in the flattened photograph, we see everything, all at once.” For Barros, photography is a form of observation. “We can often learn things when we look more closely, and especially so when we look at something from a different perspective,” he said. “In making these pictures, I know what elements I am including in my composition, but I never know what the final photograph will look like. My reward lies in the discovery.” Barros said that a friend pointed out to him that his interests paralleled those of physicists who study time and space. “For him, the 360s were a conceptual illustration of Relativity Theory,” Barros said. “These photographs seemingly unfold space and bend time. While I produce my imagery purely with artistic intent, I am comfortable having it nestled within that context.” Barros is a photographer, writer, curator, and filmmaker. His works are in the permanent collections of eleven museums, including the Smithsonian Museum of American Art, the Museum of Art of São Paulo, and the Fitchburg Art Museum. Ricardo was awarded a Fellowship in Photography by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts in 1984 and 2021, and the Marlene and David Persky Present Tense Prize by ArtsWorcester in 2024. He recently moved to Fitchburg with his wife, artist Heather Barros. More information at www.ricardobarros.com.

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.