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Fitchburg State University designated as official Purple Heart campus
September 25, 2026
Fitchburg State University has been officially designated as a Purple Heart University, recognizing its dedicated support for combat-wounded veterans, active-duty service members, and military-connected students.
The formal recognition was officially proclaimed and highlighted by Fitchburg State University President Dr. Donna Hodge during her third annual State of the University address to kickstart the fall semester on campus.
During the address, President Hodge invited university alumnus, current staff member and veteran Andres Crespo to the stage to read the official proclamation. The milestone followed a targeted two-year institutional strategy to strengthen recruitment and support systems for veterans and military-connected families.
“Less than two years into a new institutional strategy for strengthening recruitment and support for veterans and military-connected families, enrollment among these student populations has more than doubled,” said President Hodge. “One-hundred new students on our campus. That growth makes this recognition especially meaningful.”
The Purple Heart distinction underscores Fitchburg State’s ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive, supportive environment through specialized resources, tailored academic and financial counseling, and dedicated veteran services. This milestone builds upon an established tradition of military excellence, as Fitchburg State has consistently earned recognition as a Military Friendly® School every year since 2015 and currently holds Military Friendly® Gold status.
As part of the Purple Heart Campus designation, the university has installed dedicated Purple Heart signage across campus grounds and designated two reserved, specially-marked parking spaces for visitors and students who carry the honor of being Purple Heart recipients.
Purple Heart recipients receive welcoming, direct access to essential campus resources, including university library facilities and administrative services. These physical markers and access policies further enhance the campus infrastructure supported by the university’s Military and Veterans Services Office, the on-campus Veterans Center, and the active Student Veterans Association.
“The Purple Heart distinction is another significant recognition of Fitchburg State's commitment to serving our veteran and military-connected students,” said Fitchburg State Dean of Students and Chief Student Affairs Officer Tim St. John. “The swiftness with which we were able to earn this distinction is a reflection of the work that has already been happening — the growing size of the veteran population we serve, creation of the Military and Veterans Services Office, Military-Gold Friendly distinction, the community being built through the Veterans Center and the Student Veterans Association.”
The university’s strong connection to the Purple Heart honor is further exemplified within its leadership by Board of Trustees member Joe Byrne ’14, a Fitchburg State alumnus and decorated Vietnam War veteran who earned the Purple Heart during his 22-year career in the U.S. Army. As a former Green Beret and Army Ranger, Byrne’s personal history of combat sacrifice and public service embodies the very spirit of support and recognition that the Purple Heart designation represents.
By honoring the sacrifice of Purple Heart recipients and integrating comprehensive military-friendly support structures across campus, Fitchburg State ensures student-veterans experience a smooth transition to higher education and a strong sense of community.