Fitchburg State University proudly announces that Governor Maura T. Healey has appointed attorney Shane Rodriguez to the university’s Board of Trustees, following his nomination by University President Dr. Donna Hodge and Chair of the Board, Dr. Michael Fiorentino. A 1993 graduate of Fitchburg State, Rodriguez returns to his alma mater with decades of leadership experience, a deep commitment to public service, and a passion for higher education. Rodriguez’s career spans the legal, academic, and law enforcement sectors. He is currently an assistant professor at the Massachusetts School of Law in Andover and operates a private legal practice. His professional journey also includes distinguished service with the Municipal Police Training Committee and prior work in campus and municipal law enforcement—roles that reflect his dedication to justice and community. As a Fitchburg State student, Rodriguez was a standout student-athlete and made history as the first student of color to be elected president of the Student Government Association. He credits his transformative undergraduate experience with setting the course for his life and career. “This campus really put me in a position to succeed,” Rodriguez said. “To return to the university that shaped me and contribute to its future as a trustee is more than an honor—it’s a full-circle moment. I hope to ensure that today’s students receive the same life-changing opportunities that I did.” Fitchburg State President Hodge celebrated Rodriguez’s appointment as a moment of profound significance for the institution. “Shane Rodriguez embodies the best of Fitchburg State—grit, service, and the relentless pursuit of justice,” President Hodge said. “His lived experience as a student leader, a public servant, and now an educator mirrors the journey of so many of our students. His voice at the board table will not only reflect our past but will help shape a more inclusive, inspired future. Welcoming Shane back to serve in this capacity is a testament to the power of a Fitchburg State education—and a reminder of what’s possible when we invest in potential.” Rodriguez joins the board during a transformative time for Fitchburg State, as the university advances its mission to expand access, equity, and opportunity for the students and communities it serves.

The Communications Media Department at Fitchburg State University will present staged readings of two new plays by award-winning playwright Peter Anderegg this April, including a new take on Romeo and Juliet and an exploration of the destructive effects of narcissism. Staged readings of The Widow Juliet and When You’re a Star will take place at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 10; 7 p.m. Friday, April 11 and Saturday, April 12; and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 13 in the Wallace Theater for Performing Arts at McKay Elementary School, 67 Rindge Road. The performances are free and open to the public. Anderegg’s new plays are thoughtful comedies that relate to contemporary issues. The Widow Juliet is a new take on Shakespeare’s classic Romeo and Juliet that gives Juliet a stronger voice, while When You’re a Star is an exploration of the destructive impact of morbid narcissism. “These plays explore issues facing our country today: the controversy over women’s agency over their bodies and the destructive effects of extreme narcissism, respectively,” said Denise Alexander, who is directing the staged readings. Fitchburg State has a long history of collaborating with Anderegg to help produce and develop his new plays, with his works Matches, Rot From Beneath, and Dead Mad all having been performed on campus. Anderegg teaches playwriting courses at Fitchburg State and is an award-winning playwright. In 2024 he won best short at the “We Like Short-Shorts Festival of 10-Minute Plays” at the Storefront Theatre in Waxhaw, N.C. This year he was selected to participate in the New Play Lab at the William Inge Theatre Festival in Kansas. Working on a new play is a rich and exciting experience for everyone involved. In a staged reading actors use scripts, but there is still minimal blocking and props to give the audience a good sense of the play. “Guiding younger actors with the experiences that I have learned over the years, it’s everything and more I could ask for,” said returning alumnus and assistant director James Estes ‘18. Student Emerson DiSalle ’26 said they relished the opportunity to work on new plays. “I’m able to watch the writing process happen as we rehearse, and it's really awesome to be part of a group creating a piece of art!” DiSalle said. The cast includes Ryan Barker ’25 of Weymouth, Alyssa Brayley ‘26 of North Attleboro; Henry Beverly ’28 of Lexington; Emerson DiSalle ‘26 of Princeton; James Estes ’18 of Baldwinsville; Alex Febbrile ’25 of Fitchburg; David Gambone ’25 of Orange; Mateo Larralde ’27 of Westminster; Sophie Monis ’28 of Billerica; Arianna Sarpee ’27 of Worcester; and Jonathan Vazquez ’25 of Gardner. Technical crew includes Nicolas Salamack ’27 of Whitinsville and Vivian Warren ’25 of Orange.

Fitchburg State University announced that it has earned the 2025-2026 Military Friendly® School designation. Institutions earning the Military Friendly® School designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. The rankings measure institutions’ ability to meet thresholds for retention, graduation, job placement, repayment, persistence, and loan default rates for all students, and specifically for student veterans. Fitchburg State has been designated a Military Friendly® institution every year since 2015. “We are immensely proud of this ongoing designation for Fitchburg State, reflecting our enduring and expanding commitment to serving this important population,” University President Donna Hodge said. “Our campus community is honored to engage in initiatives that support all students, including the men and women who have served and continue to serve. They enrich our campus community, and we will continue to do our part to help them achieve their educational ambitions.” In addition to the Silver ranking, Fitchburg State was also designated a Military Spouse Friendly School. The university this month also welcomed its first Director of Military and Veteran Services, Nolan Buck. More than 140 student veterans are enrolled at Fitchburg State this semester. "I am honored to be part of Fitchburg State University, which has once again been recognized as a Military Friendly institution," Buck said. "Fitchburg State University, both on and off campus, demonstrates a strong commitment to supporting our veteran and military community. I am dedicated to further enhancing the resources and opportunities available to this important group." For more information about the university’s student veteran programs, visit fitchburgstate.edu/veterans. About Military Friendly ® Schools The Military Friendly® Schools list is created each year based on extensive research using public data sources from more than 8,800 schools nationwide, input from student veterans, and responses to the proprietary, data-driven Military Friendly® Schools survey from participating institutions. The survey questions, methodology, criteria and weighting were developed with the assistance of an independent research firm and an advisory council of educators and employers. The survey is administered for free and is open to all postsecondary schools that wish to participate. Criteria for consideration can be found at www.militaryfriendly.com. About Fitchburg State University Fitchburg State University public institution located in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, dedicated to integrating high-quality professional programs with strong liberal arts and sciences studies. Founded in 1894, the university has more than 30 undergraduate programs and 22 master’s programs. About Viqtory Founded in 2001, VIQTORY is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) that connects the military community to civilian employment, educational and entrepreneurial opportunities through its G.I. Jobs® and Military Friendly® brands. VIQTORY and its brands are not a part of or endorsed by the U.S. Dept of Defense or any federal government entity. Learn more about VIQTORY at www.viqtory.com.

Internationally renowned author, illustrator, entrepreneur and Fitchburg State University alumnus Peter H. Reynolds will return to campus in May as its 2025 commencement speaker. The undergraduate ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 17, on the Fitchburg State campus. 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. Fitchburg State University President Donna Hodge expressed her excitement for Reynolds' return to campus, celebrating his impact as an artist, storyteller, and champion of imagination. “Peter H. Reynolds is a force for good in this world—an artist, a storyteller, and a visionary who has dedicated his life to inspiring others to be brave, creative, and limitless,” Hodge said. “As a proud alumnus, his journey is proof of what a Fitchburg State education can unlock. He has spent his career helping people find their voice and make their mark, and I can think of no better person to send off the Class of 2025 with that very message.” Reynolds, whose work has been embraced by educators, parents, and children around the globe, said he is honored to return to his alma mater. “Fitchburg State is home for me,” said Reynolds, who was able to foster his love of drawing and illustration at the institution’s Communications Media Department. “I found a community of educators who were eager to support me and my fellow students, and I am thrilled to share my experiences with the Class of 2025 as they write their own next chapters.” Beyond his work as an author and illustrator, Reynolds is an advocate for education, innovation, and the power of storytelling. His creative empire, based in the Boston area, includes The Blue Bunny Bookstore, his digital media/interactive development agency FableVision Studios, and his non-profit Reynolds Center for Teaching, Learning & Creativity where he continues to inspire creative educators, lifelong learners and change-makers. The university community looks forward to welcoming Reynolds back home as he imparts wisdom, inspiration, and a call to action for the graduates of 2025. For more information about Fitchburg State University’s 2025 Commencement, visit fitchburgstate.edu/commencement. Read about Reynolds' visit to campus earlier this semester in Fitchburg State Magazine.

The Gay Straight Alliance at Fitchburg State University will present the highly anticipated 18th annual benefit drag show at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 3, an event designed to entertain, enlighten, and share a great cultural experience with the community. The “Defying DRAG-ity" Annual Drag show will be held at the Athletics and Recreation Center, 130 North St., Fitchburg. Proceeds from the show will support the newly created LGBTQ Student Scholarship at Fitchburg State. It is labeled as New England's largest and oldest drag show. The program is designed for adults over 18. This year’s program will feature dancing and cabaret-style performances by seven stage performers including Leominster's own Lady Sabrina, Mizery McRae, Victoria Obvious, Abby Cummings, Destiny Boston, newcomer Ariel Monroe, with Raquel Blake to be the Mistress of Ceremonies for the evening. DJ Scotty P will spin the tunes for the show. The highly anticipated Couples Drag Race, with students from the university, will crown a Drag Queen and a Drag King. Muther Divine will also be in attendance. Every Fitchburg State event welcomes all members of the university community. Tickets are $5 for students, $10 for the public, and tables of 10 for $150 (with supplies limited). Tickets may be purchased online. Shane Franzen, the GSA advisor, has supervised the development of the show since its inception. “This Drag Show is an important part of the fabric of LGBTQ+ Life at Fitchburg State and her surrounding communities,” Franzen said. “The students of GSA work tirelessly for hours upon hours and for many months putting the show together. It is a privilege to be their advisor. However, it is an honor to watch them grow and flourish as active citizens of the LGBTQ+ community and to share who they are to all.”