On July 1, when the gavel passes and the new fiscal year begins at Fitchburg State University, the Alumni Board of Directors won’t just be welcoming a new leader—they will be marking a historic milestone.
Seferine Baez ’18 is set to become the president of the Alumni Board, stepping into the role after serving terms as treasurer and vice president. At just 30 years old, Baez is shattering glass ceilings as the youngest person and the first person of color to hold the title. Baez is the living embodiment of that Fitchburg State spirit, transitioning seamlessly from a hyper-involved undergraduate to a trailblazing alumna.
“Seferine Baez represents so much of what is possible at Fitchburg State,” said Fitchburg State University President Donna Hodge. “She came here as a first-generation student looking for opportunity and community, and she has remained deeply committed to both ever since. Her election as Alumni Board president is meaningful not simply because it is historic, but because it reflects the continued evolution of this university and the generations of students we serve today. Seferine understands this institution from the inside out, and I believe her leadership will help strengthen the connection between our alumni, our students, and the future of Fitchburg State.”
Baez’s journey to the presidency began long before she graduated cum laude with a degree in English literature. Growing up in the Bronx in a working-class family, the daughter of immigrants, Baez was looking for a college that felt accessible but ambitious. She found her place at Fitchburg State.
"I saw a lot of myself in the student body here," said Baez. "It was really inspiring while I was here on a secondary education program track, at the time, to see the impact of higher education. Being the first in my family to go to college, I wanted to make the most of it. The finances checked out, with this being a really affordable place, and I was almost blown away by how high-quality this experience was for that price."
That desire to "make the most of it" resulted in a dizzying undergraduate resume. Baez didn't just attend classes, she shaped the campus culture. She was a tour guide, a founding member of the Feminist Conversations club, a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, and a member of the Sigma Tau Delta International English Honor Society. She even helped launch the university’s official Instagram account—a legacy that continues to connect the campus today.
Most alumni wait a decade or two before returning to serve their alma mater. Baez didn’t wait a single day.
"I was actually a senior when I applied to be on the Board," said Baez. "I graduated with my nomination having already been accepted to join, and I walked right onto the team a couple of months later on July 1, 2018."
Since then, she has spent nearly eight years learning the inner workings of the Alumni Association. Under the mentorship of current President John Garten ’89, Baez moved through the ranks, serving as treasurer and eventually now as vice president (president-elect). The two-year apprenticeship allowed her to view the university’s mission through a strategic lens, focusing on how to bridge the gap between the veteran Falcons of decades past and the diverse, tech-savvy graduates of the 2010s and 2020s.
Baez is acutely aware of the significance of her new role. As a woman of color and a young professional, she represents the face of the Fitchburg State community.
"It’s important for the Alumni Board to have people from different eras, but the most recent graduates are closest to what the institution is like today," said Baez. "The population (of students of color) has gone up and up, so it makes a lot of sense that we should see more representation. I know the university has a few initiatives to support those groups, but I’m still a little lonely in that room. I want for us to have more people that can be representative of the current students."
For Baez, representation isn't just about a seat at the table; it’s about providing a roadmap for current students who share her background.
"The students who are similar to my path need to see staff and faculty who look like them and who can speak to that experience," said Baez. "Working now in higher education, it feels so full circle."
As she prepares to take over for Garten, Baez is focused on continuing to move the needle forward. While she loves the energy of Homecoming and Senior Nights, she sees the Alumni Board as a vital organ of the university's daily life.
Seferine Baez represents so much of what is possible at Fitchburg State. She came here as a first-generation student looking for opportunity and community, and she has remained deeply committed to both ever since. Her election as Alumni Board president is meaningful not simply because it is historic, but because it reflects the continued evolution of this university and the generations of students we serve today. Seferine understands this institution from the inside out, and I believe her leadership will help strengthen the connection between our alumni, our students, and the future of Fitchburg State.
The Board’s responsibilities are vast, ranging from reviewing student scholarships to selecting faculty and alumni awards. However, Baez believes the true value lies in the Falcon Pride that keeps graduates connected to their roots.
"It has mostly been an engagement thing for many years—alumni to each other, alumni to students," said Baez. "I like that it’s more about celebrating our time at Fitchburg State and being excited about where it’s going. When people feel connected to their previous institution, maybe they will donate, but it’s not why we do what we do. It’s about being connected to each other and where the institution is today."
One of her primary goals is to engage those alumni who are five to 15 years out of school.
"That is the time of life where people are often early in their careers, starting families, or buying homes,” said Baez. “It can be hard to keep them involved, but their perspective is so valuable."
In a move inspired by her own rapid transition into leadership, Baez is spearheading a new initiative to bring fresh voices to the table immediately.
"We’ve already been thinking about what’s next," said Baez. "We are launching new Board seats for students who are seniors right now to walk right onto the Board. We want to hold onto someone for one or two years right after college and get them involved right away. We have so many wonderful student leaders on campus to choose from."
By creating a fast-track to leadership, Baez hopes to ensure the Board remains a mirror of the student body’s energy and diversity.
Baez lives in Boston and serves as a Community Director at Boston University. In her professional role, she oversees two blocks of student residences and manages a team of student staff. It is a career path she credits directly to her time in North Central Mass.
"Fitchburg State really formed a lot of what I care about—public scholarship, student safety, and being a life-long learner," said Baez.
Baez’s experience wasn't just limited to the campus. She took advantage of the university's global reach, studying abroad for a summer in Italy and taking a spring break trip to Spain.
"I grew up speaking Spanish, but I never really ventured further than where my family had heritage in the Dominican Republic," said Baez. "My first international trips across the Atlantic to Europe were basically facilitated by Fitchburg State. It was life-changing."
When asked why she continues to dedicate her time to a volunteer position while balancing a demanding career in Boston, Baez’s answer is simple: Gratitude.
"I credit Fitchburg State a lot for making me into who I am," said Baez. "I happen to be a train ride away from my alma mater where I can take a day and visit. The connections I’ve formed on the Board are folks who are invested in my journey as I move into the mid-level of my career. We are all here because we love it and because we care."
As July 1 approaches, Baez is ready to lead. She isn't just taking a title; she is carrying the aspirations of a new generation of Falcons.
Her message to current students and young alumni is clear: Your voice matters, your presence is required and, at Fitchburg State, the door is always open.
"I am always thinking about what I can leave better than I found it." said Baez. "I look forward to doing even more as the president. It’s very satisfying to give back to the place that started it all for me."