Our Stories

Photo of alumna Liza McFadden Class of 1983

The same level of detail (in a classroom assignment) goes into writing a bill. You have to think about, ‘How does that line connect to this line, and then to that line.’ It’s the same process.

A Passion for Literacy
For Liza McFadden ‘83, helping kids learn to read is the greatest gift
Portrait of alumnus Randy Meech 97

In any career path, you’re always communicating. It’s important you’re describing things coherently and consistently, whether it’s in a design document or an email or making a pitch to an investor.

Finding His Way
­Randy Meech ‘97 puts the foundational skills he learned at Fitchburg State to work as an entrepreneur and innovator
Portrait of alumnus Michael Kushmerek 08 13

A Fitchburg State education has opened every door that was presented to me.

Opening Doors
State Rep. Michael Kushmerek ‘08, ‘13 found ‘the perfect fit’ at Fitchburg State
Portrait of Susannah Whipps '12

I know very few people I grew up with who are doing what they thought they would be doing at 16 or 17 years old. I tell young people, ‘Go to a state school, figure out what you really want to do.’ We’re so fortunate in Massachusetts to have the public higher education system we have. We’re a leader in the country.

A Non-Traditional Student
Susannah M. Whipps ’12 cultivates a passion for lifelong learning as a legislator
Portrait of Sharon Bernard '99

To me, a liberal arts and science degree is the ideal course of study for anyone who isn’t really sure of the path they want to take. You never know when a particular subject or teacher will light a spark that will shape the rest of your life.

Lighting the Spark
Sharon Bernard ‘99 turned a passion for the written word into a rewarding career in the library
Portrait of Beth Swartz

In TRIO SSS, assessment is the foundation for how we make decisions about what services we provide. It is a tool we use to measure our successes.

Beth Swartz
Director of TRIO Student Support Services
Portrait of Hank Parkinson

Assessment not only guides our work, but also supports the work of our campus partners. In a 2019 and 2021 study, we learned that students who are not involved attribute their sense of belonging to the connection they made with a faculty member and/or academic advisor.

Dr. Hank Parkinson
Dean of Students
Headshot for Matt Burke, Director of Athletics and Recreation

Many Athletic and Recreation departments frequently promote the ways we teach valuable life skills and contribute to academic success to recruits, current athletes and families. However, we often struggle to demonstrate those efforts in tangible ways.

Matt Burke
Director of Athletics and Recreation
Mallory-Anne Perron '14 is a nurse at Brigham and Womens Hospital

I don’t feel like a hero. I took an oath to take care of people and that’s all that I’m trying to do.

The New Reality
Mallory-Anne Perron '14
Police Program 3rd ROC

At Fitchburg State, we were taught that communication is everything in this job. In the real world, that has held true. The ability to effectively communicate with people is the most important tool to have and I feel Fitchburg State prepared me for that.

Police Program graduates make their mark in Hopkinton
Fitchburg State graduates well-represented at Hopkinton Police Department