Fitchburg State University President Donna Hodge officially announced the 2026-2027 Presidential Ambassadors during the State of the University Address inside Weston Auditorium on Sept. 2.
The 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 everyone that education is not only about personal achievement, but also about building stronger communities and opening doors for those who will follow.
“What makes this program truly extraordinary, though, are the students themselves,” Hodge said. “They bring a remarkable diversity of backgrounds and experiences. Some are first-generation college students, some are athletes, some are artists, some are researchers, and some are advocates.Together, they reflect the full promise of this university. It is their diversity of thought, their creativity, and their willingness to lead that make this program not only inspiring, but transformative.”
In the year ahead, Hodge said, the students will elevate their voices even further.
“These students will represent Fitchburg State at important university and community events, but their role is larger than that,” said Hodge. “They bring student perspectives directly into the life of the presidency and help us tell the story of this university through their own experiences, talents, and leadership.”
This year’s returning Ambassadors are: Veronica Barton, PJ Norton, Alexis Sandmann, Reshawn Stewart, Aidan Thompson and Kole Broderick.
Nine new Ambassadors were announced and received their eye-catching green blazers.
The green blazer represents their duty to represent the university with poise and honor, and to serve it with integrity.
“All of you represent our highest values, and we will look to you to embody the community we build together, every day,” said Dr. Christine Dee, Professor of History and Special Assistant to the President, who will supervise the ambassadors this year. “The work begins now.”
The new Presidential Ambassadors for 2026-2027:
- 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 & 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Elizabeth “Liz” Korj, is a Game Design major with a minor in Studio 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.
- 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.
- Lillian Maxwell is an Environmental & 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.
- 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.
- 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.
“To the Ambassadors: wear those green coats proudly,” said Hodge. “You represent Fitchburg State very well, and I'm excited to work alongside you this year.”