Academics change lives.
Academics change lives is the theme of this year’s Presidential Ambassadors Program at Fitchburg State University. The program fosters leadership development among students by providing unique opportunities to design and implement projects that strengthen communities.
"Our Presidential Ambassadors embody the momentum and mission of Fitchburg State. They take the lessons learned in the classroom and bring them to life through service, leadership, and innovation. Their work reminds us that education is not only about personal achievement, but also about building stronger communities and opening doors for those who will follow. I am proud of the example they set and grateful for the energy and vision they bring to our campus and beyond," President Donna Hodge said
This year’s new Presidential Ambassadors are: Dehkontee Cooper, Cammie Crawford, Hannah Dennison, Mariah Garcia, Elizabeth Korj, Stella Liebler, Lillian Maxwell, Tomas Polanco, and Leah Silverstein. This year’s returning Presidential Ambassadors are: Veronica Barton, Peter J. Norton, Alexis Sandmann, Reshawn Stewart, and Aidan Thompson. Learn more about the ambassadors below.
“The Presidential Ambassador Program exemplifies who we are at Fitchburg State,” said Dr. Christine Dee, Professor of History and Special Assistant to the President, who will supervise the ambassadors this year. “We love to learn, to build, and to move forward. The ambassadors combine their academic interests with project management skills to enact positive, meaningful change. Dr. Hodge empowers all students at Fitchburg State to chart their own educational path. This program is an example of the student-focused opportunities the president has created at the university.”
If you would like to request the Presidential Ambassador(s) to attend and elevate your event fill out the form below. Please be advised that Ambassadors navigate full schedules of academics and extracurricular activities, so not every request may be accommodated.
Ambassadors
Arlington, MA
Veronica Barton
Veronica Barton is a majoring in both Communications Media Film/Video Production and Game Design, interested in virtual production and blending game technology with traditional filmmaking methods. As an artist, filmmaker, game designer, storyteller, musician and composer, her creative work focuses on otherness and themes of alienation, acceptance and belonging. A neurodivergent, gender-fluid individual, she has been a life-long advocate for anti-racism, the LGBTQIA+ community, and disability rights. Barton is a member of the Honors Program and TRIO; serves on the Communications Media Department Undergraduate Curriculum Committee; works as a peer tutor and mentor; volunteers with Fitchburg Access Television, and assists the Pax East annual gaming exposition. Upon graduation, Barton hopes to work in the field of virtual production on projects that foster positive social change.
Haverhill, MA
Dehkontee Cooper
Dehkontee Cooper is an Engineering Technology major with a concentration in Architecture. She is a first-generation Liberian American college student. A mature and empathetic leader, Cooper is a much-valued sprinter for the track and field team. She serves as Team Leader. She is a member of the Honors Program. She serves as an event coordinator for the African Student Association and a member of the First Love Bible Study group on campus. Students, faculty and coaches alike praise her for her work ethic in the classroom, on the track and in the community. She plans to pursue a master’s degree in Architectural Engineering and become a Registered Architect to help make housing sustainable and affordable.
Westford, MA
Cammie Crawford
Cammie Crawford is a Political Science major with a concentration in American Government and a minor in History. She is a member of both the Honors Program and the award-winning Moot Court team. Crawford serves as the secretary of the Student Government Association where she is a voice for commuter students’ interests. Her commitment to social justice spurred her to serve as the vice president of the university’s chapter of It’s On Us, a national organization to prevent sexual assault. As a “careful listener,” Crawford emphasizes content and quality in her academics and extracurricular activities. She plans to attend law school and become a practicing attorney.
Acton, MA
Hannah Dennison
Hannah Dennison transferred to Fitchburg State. She is an English Studies major with a minor in Middle and Secondary Education to achieve licensure to teach in Massachusetts public schools. Dennison is active in the Student Education Association of Massachusetts and serves as an ambassador for the English Studies department. She is committed to making education accessible and meaningful to students and creating an environment where students feel comfortable expressing themselves. Dennison’s enthusiasm for learning has been termed "infectious," “authentic” and “vibrant.” The English Studies department awarded her the Hines Memorial Scholarship in Renaissance Studies in recognition of her commitment and love of the field.
Lawrence, MA
Mariah Garcia
Mariah Garcia is an Interdisciplinary Studies: Pre-Law major with minors in Biology and Political Science. Garcia is committed to interdisciplinary inquiry, blending her education in science, law, and politics. She is a member of the nationally-renowned Moot Court team. Garcia is a first-generation college student, and is part of the TRIO program on campus. She aspires to be a role model for her younger siblings, highlighting their pathway to college. Whether working as an animal care technician, raising awareness of sexual violence through It’s on Us or building community through crafting, Garcia brings a commitment to justice and belonging on campus.
Ware, MA
Elizabeth “Liz” Korj
Elizabeth “Liz” Korj, is a Game Design major with a minor in Art. She is a member of the Honors Program. Korj is an Orientation Leader, Lead Residential Assistant, Upper Bound Math & Science Tutor, Residential Counselor, and a member of the Game Design Student Association (GDSA) and the Women+ STEM club. Korj is the first in her family to be born and raised in the United States. She is part of the TRIO program on campus, and is in the chorus. She has served with the Upward Bound Math and Science program since she started at Fitchburg State. Korj excels in the classroom and demonstrates her passion for art, game design and 3D modeling. As a first-generation American and college student, Korj shares her commitment to higher education and Fitchburg State with families during orientation programming. She plans to become a game design artist and pursue a master’s in fine arts.
Cheshire, CT
Stella Liebler
Stella Liebler is a Communications Media Graphic Design major with a minor in Digital Media Innovation. She is the captain of the women’s soccer team. Liebler was the lead designer for the Visions exhibition in 2026, creating all promotional materials and the design concepts. Liebler is a tutor in the Academic Coaching and Tutoring Center, supporting the Communications Media department. Her academic emphasis is on clear communication and creative vision with a deep commitment to learning and growth. Liebler serves as a “bridge between student athletes and Fitchburg State’s academic opportunities, understanding the unique pressures facing student athletes. She makes academic success accessible.” A talented artist, Liebler’s painting won awards. She brings thoughtful, creative and community-oriented leadership to the Presidential Ambassador program and uses her skills to convey the university’s mission. Liebler plans to become a creative director in product or brand design after Fitchburg State.
Athol, MA
Lillian Maxwell
Lillian Maxwell is an Environmental and Earth Science major, with minors in Geographic Science and Technology, Biology, and Theater. She transferred to Fitchburg State, bringing broad and diverse skills, including stone masonry. Maxwell served as a Digital Navigator, teaching digital literacy to seniors at the Armory Senior Center in Fitchburg. She is a residential assistant. Maxwell founded the Women+ STEM club, serving as its inaugural president and fostering inclusiveness and advancement across STEM fields. In the Summer of 2026, Maxwell served as a research fellow at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, building a climate model to study the isotopic variability of North American deglaciation 20,000 years ago. Upon graduation she will pursue a PhD in Antarctic ice core research post graduation.
Marblehead, MA
Peter "PJ" Norton
PJ Norton is a Business Administration Accounting major with a minor in Economics. A member of the Honors Program, PJ is a captain of the football team and serves as president of the Kappa Sigma fraternity. On campus, PJ works as a tutor and office assistant in the university’s Academic Coaching and Tutoring Center. He serves as a coach and social media coordinator for the MCW Starz AAU basketball program during the summer. Following graduation, he plans to become a certified public accountant and pursue a master’s in business administration. He enjoys golf and basketball.
Lawrence, MA
Tomas Polanco
Tomas Polanco is an Exercise Sports Science major in the pre-Physician Assistant track. Polanco is a member of the Honors Program. He is a Certified Nursing Assistant and certified in dementia training. Polanco is a student-athlete on the football team and is working toward his EMT certification. A first-generation Dominican-American college student, Polanco brings a deep commitment to education and community. During the Summer of 2026, Polanco interned at the Forest Foundation, serving on a grant-writing team for a non-profit organization. He volunteers with Big Brother, Big Sister and is a sports coordinator for Lawrence Community Works.
Ashburnham, MA
Alexis "Lexi" Sandmann
Lexi Sandmann is an Interdisciplinary Studies: Prelaw major with a minor in Political Science. She is an active student leader, serving as a member of the award-winning Moot Court Team, a representative in the Student Government Association, and a Peer Mentor in the Tutoring Center. Driven by a commitment to student outreach and campus engagement, Lexi leads the campus initiative to supply free menstrual products in bathrooms to enhance equity and accessibility at the university. Following graduation, Lexi plans to attend law school. Outside of campus leadership, Lexi works as a restaurant cook, enjoys attending concerts, and has traveled to six European countries.
San Antonio, TX
Reshawn Stewart
Reshawn Stewart is a Digital Media Innovation major with a minor in graphic design. Reshawn is a first-generation transfer student. He is among the top running backs in NCAA Division III football. On campus, Reshawn is active in Residential Life, working in the housing office and serving as a Resident Assistant. Reshawn’s resilience, empathy, and strong focus despite adversity enables him to lead by example. He uses his skills to enhance university outreach to the community and alumni. Reshawn is committed to supporting students who experience familial loss. Reshawn is a creative person who loves the arts. He enjoys painting, drawing, reading, and visiting museums, when he is not playing football.
Worcester, MA
Leah Silverstein
Leah Silverstein is a Communications Media Graphic Design and Photography major who has taken full advantage of the essential pathways by obtaining an associate’s degree at community college and transferring to Fitchburg State University. As a first-generation college student, Silverstein has embraced everything this campus offers. She is a model of self-advocacy and how to be fully engaged in her own education. She is committed to enhancing the student transfer experience and advocating for students with disabilities. Leading by example, Silverstein volunteered for campus initiatives like the Visions 2026 exhibit to connect with the university community. Silverstein promises to make Fitchburg State and the larger community more welcoming for people who learn differently and to raise the profile of neurodiversity. Leah is a model of how to succeed: seeking support when needed, building a network and a team, finding your people, and showing empathy toward others.
Tuftonboro, NH
Aidan Thompson
Aidan Thompson is a Mathematics major with a concentration in Statistical Modeling with a minor in Data Analytics. He is a member of the Honors Program. Advised by Dr. Wright and Dr. Oehrlein in the Mathematics Department, Aidan serves as a peer tutor, a member of the math department curriculum committee, and is a member of the Campus Ambassadors Christian Fellowship. He is president of Pi Mu Epsilon Massachusetts Eta Chapter. Passionate about educational research, Aidan is analyzing longitudinal data on graduate school placement, with plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Applied and Interdisciplinary Mathematics. Aidan is a first-generation college student and is adopted. He spends summers leading campers aged 5–17. He enjoys reading and net sports.
These students represent the best of who we are and the best of where we’re going.
President Donna Hodge