Stories

tagged as alumni
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
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
Alexandra Valdez '15 at Boston City Hall

It feels amazing to see more and more students at Fitchburg State who want to get engaged. It’s so close and dear to me to see young Latinos and people of color, because I totally know what they’re going through.

Failure Was Not an Option
Getting a College Degree Was Not a Foregone Conclusion for Alexandra Valdez '15
Shalayah Washington aka Red Shaydez

Fighting for equality is always at my core, along with human rights. We should all be able to start with a clean slate.

Music Can Change the World
Shalayah Washington '14 Makes Music That Matters
Catherine Buell teaching

While we practice using contingency tables and finding probabilities, we are looking at the issue of constitutionality and racial profiling in the practice.

Social Justice by the Numbers
Real-world examples are making mathematics more accessible to students
Marissa Arseneau '17

It’s definitely been hard and anxiety-provoking, because I’ve been putting myself at risk every day for my patients. But I’m extremely grateful I can do my part and lend a hand to helping the people in need at this time.

Doing My Part
Marissa Arseneau '17