As a first-generation college graduate, Eliezer Rivera knows all about the fears that high school students have about higher education, the college application process and the financial obligations of going to college. Rivera, a 2017 Fitchburg High graduate and two-time Fitchburg State University alumnus - completing degrees in 2021 and 2024 - parlayed his education into the biotech industry, then as a high school teacher and now as assistant director of admissions at Fitchburg State. “I am so excited for this role not because of the traditional admissions process, but because of the presence and impact it will have on the local students and community, being a Worcester County and Fitchburg kid myself,” said Rivera, who earned his bachelor’s degree in biology and master’s in educational leadership and management. “I understand how hard, challenging and scary that process can be for first generation and low-income students, having been one myself.” Rivera worked in biotech for several years before becoming a science and math teacher at St. Bernard’s Central Catholic High School in Fitchburg. Now, at Fitchburg State, he hopes to be a helpful resource to high school students looking to attend college and helping their families fully navigate and understand that higher education is a real possibility, regardless of obstacles they think might stand in the way. Rivera’s coverage area will be centered around the city, including Fitchburg High, Sizer, St. Bernard’s and Monty Tech, but including area towns of Lunenburg and Leominster, extending from Gardner to Littleton. But Rivera will have direct contact with students at Fitchburg High with an office inside his alma mater. “I’m excited to have space in Fitchburg High,” Rivera said. “Being from the same background of the majority of the Fitchburg Public Schools – being low income, first generation, Hispanic/Latino male, I think with that I experienced a lot of miscommunications and a lot of language-barrier issues on my parent’s behalf that did affect how I went to college and my brother. My brother didn’t go to college because he wasn’t informed on the dynamics of the college application process. My parents never went to college, so he ended up having issues with his financial aid and he was not able to go, so he ended up joining the military and his professional career looks a lot different than what he thought it would look at the end of high school. “Having experienced that and seeing it firsthand in my household, I want to be that bridge that brings Fitchburg State and Fitchburg High together,” he said. Pam McCafferty, Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Success, said the university is very fortunate to have Rivera back on campus and serving in this important role. “He brings such a wealth of experience and commitment to the community and students that he serves,” McCafferty said. “Additionally, having a dedicated office space within Fitchburg High School will allow Eli to be an accessible resource for students as they navigate their college decision journey. We’re thrilled to have him on the team recruiting the next generation of Falcons.” Rivera fully understands that there are so many questions and worries during the college process. “Whether it’s a lack of communication, understanding or presence, that puts a limit on youths’ minds and it causes them to think that they can not be one of those people, or that another path is better,” Rivera said. “It almost causes them to turn away from education.” Rivera is all about sharing information, building trust and opening up the lines of communication to help educate students and families about higher education. “I want to connect and ease their worries about the college application process, affordability and what that looks like long term,” said Rivera, who said Victor Rojas from Fitchburg High’s GearUp program was that person for him when he was in high school. “It’s not as scary as it all seems. There is financial support out there to make college affordable. I think a lot of the miscommunication is from the financial aspect of it.” Rivera, 26, was born and raised in Puerto Rico. He moved to Fitchburg when he was 2 years old, but moved back to Puerto Rico in the fifth grade up until his sophomore year. “There was a language barrier because I was not fluent in Spanish,” Rivera said. He eventually moved back home to Fitchburg – on Day Street, a short walk from Hammond Hall – and graduated from high school and then college in Fitchburg. “I knew I had to consistently challenge myself if I wanted to be able to do great things and succeed,” he said. The passion to help has always been in Rivera’s heart. “I want to motivate and inspire them to do something better with their lives and make the most of the opportunities their parents are giving them,” he said. “I want to be a role model for those students. I know where they come from and what it looks like, so being able to show them that if they take advantage of an opportunity being given to them, their life can look different.” Rivera said his comprehensive education at Fitchburg State was life-changing. “It gave me an opportunity that a lot of people don’t get,” he said. “It gave my life a type of direction where I wanted to go. It changed my perspective on education. It was an opportunity to become a lifelong learner. It’s been the best investment that I’ve been able to make in my life,” he said. “Education changed my life in all ways from being a student, a leader, to being a husband and a father, and setting that standard in all areas of my life.”

Pride filled Weston Auditorium on the Fitchburg State University campus on Friday, as the university held the graduation of its latest police academy cohort, almost all of whom have been 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 of Lunenburg (Lunenburg Police Department), First Squad Leader Adam Bourgault of Fitchburg (Fitchburg Police Department), Joshua DiPersio of Tyngsboro (Chelmsford Police Department), Kyle Dupuis of Hopedale (Hopedale Police Department), Julia Marsell of Holliston (not hired yet), Colin Bozek of Tewksbury (not hired yet), Thomas Farr of Princeton (Littleton Police Department), Second Squad Leader Kayla Forbes of Marshfield (Rockland Police Department), Shea Lucontoni of Newburyport (Newburyport Police Department), Asha Speller of Tewksbury (Tewksbury Police Department), Owen Williams of Westminster (Ashburnham Police Department), Shane Bissanti of Franklin (Walpole Police Department), and Christopher Black of Gardner (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… Watch the FATV recording of the ceremony.

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.