Legendary Fitchburg State University men’s ice hockey Coach Dean Fuller and the Fitchburg Art Museum will be celebrated at the university’s third annual Presidential Gala on Saturday, April 24, 2027.
The black-tie event is the university’s premier fundraising event of the year. Guests will enjoy a cocktail reception and dinner, followed by the community awards ceremony and an evening of live music and dancing.
Tickets and sponsorship information may be found at Fitchburgstate.edu/Gala2027.
“I am thrilled to gather with our friends and partners to honor trailblazers like Coach Dean Fuller and the Fitchburg Art Museum, whose contributions leave such a lasting impact on our students and region. From the opening reception to the dance floor, it promises to be an inspiring night full of gratitude, celebration, and community pride,” said University President Donna Hodge. “The Presidential Gala is always a joyful evening for our campus family, bringing us together to celebrate the incredible spirit, passion, and generosity that drive Fitchburg State forward.”
Coach Fuller will receive the President’s Award for Distinguished Service to the University.
Over four decades at the helm of the Fitchburg State men’s ice hockey program, Fuller’s career has been nothing short of legendary. He has built one of the most respected and enduring legacies in Division III hockey. Amassing over 600 career victories, multiple conference championships, NCAA tournament appearances, and numerous MASCAC Coach of the Year honors, Fuller’s impact extends far beyond wins and losses. Fuller has mentored generations of student-athletes, instilling character, accountability, and academic standards while consistently elevating the profile of Fitchburg State athletics. His steadfast commitment to excellence has continually propelled both the ice hockey program and the university forward.
“When I was first informed of this honor by President Hodge, I was speechless,” said Fuller. “Fitchburg State has played a major role in my life as a student, an athlete, and for the past 43 years as a coach. I have had incredible mentors, and I have met my best friends here. I look forward to continuing chasing wins and appreciate the energy that President Hodge has brought to our campus and honoring me with this award.”
“While his remarkable milestone of over 600 career victories speaks to his mastery as a leader on the ice, his greatest contribution has been his tireless commitment to shaping young men of character, intellect, and purpose,” said Fitchburg State Executive Director – Chief Athletics and Recreation Officer Matt Burke. “Dean has elevated our entire athletic department and left an indelible mark on our institution, and it is a true privilege to celebrate his historic impact.”
The President’s Award for Distinguished Service to Education will be presented to the Fitchburg Art Museum (FAM).
As the de facto museum for Fitchburg State, the Fitchburg Art Museum serves as an invaluable partner to the university community. Since the landmark agreement forged between institutional leaders more than 10 years ago, these two pillars of the community have nurtured a deeply rooted collaboration. Today, Fitchburg State students, staff, and faculty continue to benefit immensely from free admission, co-taught courses, hands-on internships, and collaborative student-led projects ranging from marketing campaigns to gallery exhibitions showcasing student work. The vision and leadership at FAM have not only enriched the university’s academic landscape, but have also created an enduring bond that strengthens both the campus and the wider Fitchburg community.
“The Fitchburg Art Museum is deeply honored to receive the 2027 Presidential Award for Distinguished Service to Education,” said FAM Director Nick Capasso. “Education is at the core of our mission, and FAM offers programs for learners of all ages. We are especially proud of our longstanding and impactful partnership with Fitchburg State University, which provides significant enrichment and career development for students, and contributes to community and economic development initiatives in Fitchburg and North Central Massachusetts.”
“Our partnership with the Fitchburg Art Museum serves as a powerful engine for active learning and creative discovery across our entire academic community,” said Fitchburg State University Acting Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Franca Barricelli. “By opening its galleries as living classrooms, hosting collaborative exhibitions, and involving our students directly in professional media, marketing, and curatorial projects, FAM bridges academic theory with real-world creative practice. Honoring Nick Capasso and the museum with this award celebrates a shared dedication to educational innovation that deepens our curriculum while elevating the role of the arts in students' experience at Fitchburg State.”