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 Fan 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.

Fitchburg State University is opening its campus to the public for its inaugural Summer Series, a month-long lineup of free, family-friendly events designed to bring joy, connection, and creativity to the heart of the city. Kicking off Thursday, July 10 at 8 p.m. with a screening of Disney Pixar’s beloved animated film Cars, the series will continue every Thursday through July 31, featuring music, games, a pet-themed craft market, and more—all hosted on the university’s picturesque main quad. “Fitchburg State belongs to this city. We are proud to be a community partner, and this series is our way of inviting our neighbors to make the most of this beautiful shared space,” said University President Donna Hodge. “Whether you’re here for a movie, live music, or a laugh with friends over bingo and trivia, we want you to feel at home. This campus is yours, too.” Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and picnic-style snacks. Light refreshments will also be available for purchase. In the event of rain, events will move indoors to the main lounge in Hammond Hall. Fitchburg State Summer Series Schedule: Thursday, July 10 – Outdoor Movie: Disney Pixar’s Cars (8:00 p.m.) Thursday, July 17 – A Night of Music featuring The James Germana Band (5:30 p.m.) Thursday, July 24 – Pet Crafters Market: Shop local vendors with a love for furry friends (5:30 p.m.) Thursday, July 31 – Bingo & Trivia Night: A community game night under the stars (5:30 p.m.) For more information or weather updates, visit fitchburgstate.edu/events.