Presidential Ambassadors

Academics change lives. 
Presidential Ambassadors take photo with Pesident Hodge in front of Thompson Hall

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 Presidential Ambassadors are: Veronica Barton, Kole Broderick, Alexis DeSimone, Priscilla Fordjour, Geybrell Liriano, Sophia Moore, Sydney-Amelia Nortelus, Peter J. Norton, Alexis Sandmann, Reshawn Stewart, Aidan Thompson, Matthew Gill and Julia Arena. Arena and Gill are returning Presidential Ambassadors. 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.

Presidential Ambassador Request Form

Ambassadors

Julia Arena presenting in Hammond at Presidential Ambassador Showcase.
Clinical Exercise and Sports Science Major, Senior, Shrewsbury, MA

Julia Arena

I am a senior studying exercise and sports science to become an orthopedic physician's assistant. I am currently interning at Complete Physical Therapy and Wellness in Fitchburg, MA, and developing my Honors Thesis Project about medial tibial stress syndrome. In addition to my role as a Presidential Ambassador, I am in my fourth year working for Housing and Residential Services as a Lead Resident Assistant and am also part of the team at the Recreation Center. When I'm not engaged in the above, you'll find me enjoying a quiet moment to read, spending time with my family and friends, cheering at a Revolution soccer match, or jogging around campus. (There in spirit today! Feel free to say hello if you see me around!)  
Veronica Barton headshot outside in front of Thompson Hall.
Dual major in Game Design and Film/Video Production, Junior, San Diego/Arlington, MA

Veronica Barton

(She/They) As a visual artist, filmmaker, game designer, musician, composer and committed advocate for inclusion, I blend creativity with a commitment to foster understanding and connection in diverse communities. My work is shaped by my experiences as a neurodivergent, gender-fluid individual in the LGBTQIA+ community, and I explore identity, self-expression, and belonging. I was inspired by my own journey for acceptance and my art embraces the othered in society, creating spaces where underrepresented voices and marginalized people can be seen, heard, valued and accepted. As a child, I faced bullying and saw a lack of acceptance. I took action and became an activist. I founded a county-wide youth support group and started my school’s first GSA. My group campaigned for additional GSAs at other schools, hosted an alternative prom, and gave LGBTQIA+ youth a more visible presence in the community. After relocating to Arlington, Massachusetts, I joined ACMi, a local public access TV station as a youth member. This allowed me to express my inner world as an Autistic person and to connect with others through storytelling. At 13, my documentary film won the Crowd Favorite award at the A-Town Teen Film Festival. I led the Film Focus Media Club at AHS. I graduated from Arlington High School in 2023 as a member of the National Honor Society. I chose Fitchburg State because I have the opportunity to work towards dual degrees under a warm and supportive faculty in a diverse environment. At FSU, I am a Commonwealth Honors Program scholar, peer tutor, active member of the GSA and sometimes participant in the Improv Club and Role-Playing Guild, Veronica contributes towards building an inclusive and accepting campus community here. I am dedicated to using my creativity to inspire empathy, inclusion, and positive change through storytelling. I want to inspire others to embrace their authentic, unique selves to create a more compassionate, accepting world.
Kole Broderick headshot outside in front of Thompson Hall.
Criminal Justice Major, Senior, Gill, MA

Kole Broderick

I am in the Police Program, and Honors Program. I am a first-generation college student. Ever since I was a kid I knew that I wanted to be a Police Officer, so our Police Program was the perfect choice for my career path! When I graduate I hope to work for either a municipal, or state law enforcement agency in Massachusetts. If I am not in class, or doing homework, I enjoy working, reading, and spending time with my family. I have worked at a horse barn since my Junior year of high school, and I've loved every second of it. I just started reading the Harry Potter books, and I'm really enjoying it!  
Alexis Desimone headshot outside in front of Thompson Hall.
Criminal Justice Major minoring in economics, Senior, Ashburnham, MA

Alexis Desimone

I play on the Women’s Basketball team and occasionally work in the recreation center on campus. When I am not in school I work full time as a certified pharmacy technician at CVS and I also spend the winter months as an immunizer! I have always been fascinated with personal fitness and love spending my days working out and running. I hope to one day have a job within the state police or FBI. I love to listen to metal music to relax and do homework, as well as workout. I love trying new ice cream flavors and restaurants as well as spending time in the sun on the beach. During school my favorite place to be is the library, second to the basketball court :)  
Priscilla Fordjour headshot outside in front of Thompson Hall.
Psychological Science Major in the Honors Program, Neuroscience Minor, Junior, Fitchburg, MA

Priscilla Fordjour

I am a sophomore and a proud first-generation student. When I am not focused on academics, you can usually find me working at the library, connecting with peers, or participating in my Bible study club. Some of my favorite hobbies include writing—especially poetry and fiction—reading, journaling, and making things beautiful through designing templates and decorating. My dream is to become a mental health counselor, particularly serving Christian communities. Ultimately, I aspire to pursue a Ph.D. and establish a psychiatric institute of my own. Interesting facts about me: I am Ghanaian, I moved to the United States at age 11, and I love fashion!
Matthew Gill headshot outside in front of Thompson Hall.
Emeritus Ambassador, English Major/Secondary Education Major, Senior, Ayer, MA

Matthew Gill

I serve as the student representative on the Board of Trustees at Fitchburg State University (Student Trustee). I am also a three season athlete on our Fitchburg State University's Cross Country, Indoor Track and Field, and Outdoor Track and Field teams. I serve as the Treasurer for our Student Education Association of Massachusetts at Fitchburg State University. My advisor, Katy Covino, one of the Presidential Fellows, is also my mentor for the Presidential Ambassadorship program, as we work together on research surrounding community engagement and sense of belonging at the post-secondary education setting. I hope to be accepted into a graduate program here at Fitchburg State University, with hopes to continue on to the completion of a PhD in the field of education. I plan to become a high school English teacher, and eventually move on to educational administration. In addition to my work at Fitchburg State, I work at Dunkin' Donuts, bartend/cook at a country club, and substitute at a local elementary school. Interesting things about me: I enter my fourth season of athletic competition in the summer as a triathlete. I love to travel, especially in natural areas. My hobbies include camping, snowboarding, biking, swimming, hiking, and reading.  
Geybrell Liriano headshot outside in front of Thompson Hall.
Psychology Major in the Honors Program, Senior, Lawrence MA

Geybrell (not the same as Gabriel) Liriano

I am a member of the Improv club and have been in many of their shows as an actor. I am a first generation college student, and have a lot of experience working with offices in this university such as Upward Bound Math and Science, Office of Student Engagement and with the Housing office. My advisors are Dr. Michael J Hove, Dr. Catherine Buell, Dr. Emma L Downs, and as a member of Trio Support Services, my advisor is Alyssa Annese. My project ideas are to make a video that is remade every two years, covering student life, staff and professors that provides a current view of campus to incoming students and whoever else the university may want to show the video to. I want to support the cross-campus initiative to help make the campus focus on being more environmentally friendly with a focus in aiding the project of reinstating the greenhouse. I hope to go to get my masters degree in counseling to become a therapist. Interesting things about me are that I sing, perform in musical theater, and do digital art. My favorite band is AJR and I also love video games!  
Sophia Moore headshot outside in front of Thompson Hall.
Communications Major with a concentration in Public Relations and Social Media Advertising, Senior, Killingly, CT

Sophia Moore

I am a student-athlete. I have proudly served as captain of the Fitchburg State Women’s Soccer Team for the past two seasons. Throughout my undergraduate career, I have combined my passions for sports and media by developing marketing campaigns for the women’s soccer team and, most recently, completing a marketing internship with the Norwich Sea Unicorns baseball team. I hope to take the knowledge and experience I have gained to pursue a career in Sports Marketing. Fun facts about me: My favorite city so far is Nashville and I love concerts.
Sydney-Amelia Nortelus headshot outside in front of Thompson Hall.
Public Health Major and Psychology minor, Junior, Billerica, MA

Sydney-Amelia Nortelus

I am a member of the Women’s Volleyball Team, the Dance Club (where I teach Haitian Sensation and Street), and I serve as the Event Coordinator for the Caribbean Student Association. When I am not at college, I enjoy spending time with my family and my two dogs, Milo and Coco. I have been passionate about health and wellness from a young age, and I plan to pursue a career within the medical field where I can make an impact in communities. My goal is to create lasting change on campus. Specifically, I will build stepping-stones for students so that Fitchburg State is not just a school they attend, but a community they can rely on. I am especially interested in finding ways to prepare underclassmen for a healthy and successful college experience while fostering a safe and supportive environment that feels like home for their four years and beyond. Interesting things about me: I am Haitian and Bahamian. I speak English and Haitian Creole fluently, and I’m intermediate in French. I love music, food, culture, traveling, and discovering new experiences
PJ Norton headshot outside in front of Thompson Hall.
Accounting Major, Junior, Marblehead, MA

PJ Norton

I am an honors student-athlete, majoring in Accounting and minoring in Economics. I play football and I am also the President of my fraternity, Kappa Sigma. When I finish my undergrad, I plan to obtain my MBA and pass the CPA exam. I hope to build a successful career in either investment banking or private equity. At the moment, I work as a tutor and office assistant in the university's ACT center. During the summer I have worked as a coach and social media coordinator for the MCW Starz AAU program. I enjoy golfing, tennis, skiing, watching sports or streaming apps, and hanging out with friends and family in my little free time.
Lexi Sandmann headshot outside in front of Thompson Hall.
Pre-Law Major, Political Science Minor, Junior, Ashburnham, MA

Lexi Sandmann

I am actively involved on campus as a member of the Moot Court Team, the Student Government Association, and I am Peer Mentor in the Tutoring Center. One of my current initiatives is a project to provide menstrual products in academic buildings, with the goal of improving accessibility and equity on campus. I am also passionate about student outreach and encouraging greater engagement within the Fitchburg State community. After completing my undergraduate studies, I plan to attend law school to pursue a career in either criminal or political law. Some interesting facts about me are that I've been to 6 different countries in Europe, I love going to concerts, and I am a cook at a restaurant.
Reshawn Street presenting in Hammond at Presidential Ambassador Showcase.
Communication Media Major, Junior, San Antonio, TX

Reshawn Stewart

I transferred to Fitchburg State University and I am a running back on the football team. I work in Residential Life in the housing office as well as working as an RA. Through adversity, I have developed resilience, empathy, and learned how to compartmentalize things to maximize performance. I try to set an example for others as a leader. I take responsibility and am accountable. I hope to use my skills to enhance the reputation and marketing of Fitchburg State and connect the university with the business community and alumni. I am a first-generation college student. Something that people might not know about me is that I love the arts. I enjoy going to museums, reading, painting, drawing and expressing myself creatively. I also tote the rock.
Aidan Thompson headshot outside in front of Thompson Hall.
Mathematics Major, Junior, Tuftonboro, NH

Aidan Thompson

I am majoring in math with a concentration in statistical modeling and minors in data analytics and the honors program. I am a peer tutor, member of the math dept curriculum committee, and president of Campus Ambassadors Christian Fellowship (CACF). I am a first-generation college student. During my summers I work at a summer camp where I serve children of ages 5-17. My advisors are Dr. Wright and Dr. Oehrlein in the Mathematics Department. I'm especially interested in education research and my current project focuses on the efficacy of student support systems for students that are at-risk in gateway courses. I plan on going into a PhD program in education with a concentration in public policy and program evaluation. Less administrative-sounding information: I'm adopted, I enjoy playing net sports (tennis, pickleball, table tennis), and I like reading rom-coms.

These students represent the best of who we are and the best of where we’re going.

President Donna Hodge