1940s
Frances B, (Bartlett) Gardella '45
of Concord, turned 100 years old on April 4, 2025. Gardella was born April 4, 1925, in Leverett. She graduated from Amherst High School in 1942 and went on to Fitchburg State College to pursue a teaching degree. She graduated in 1945 from an accelerated program because teachers were so badly needed. After graduation, she spent the better part of a century teaching, traveling, and volunteering in her community.1970s
Philip M. Papoojian '78, '19
received his BS in Chemistry 1978 and MS Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2019 from Fitchburg State. He was awarded his PhD in Developmental Psychology from Liberty University. In 2018- 2019, Phil was named the Outstanding Student in the Fitchburg State Graduate Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program. He has an MS in Plastics Engineering (1985) from the University of Massachusetts Lowell, and an MBA in Finance from Anna Maria College (1992). He is currently employed as a dual diagnosis, substance abuse and mental health Outpatient Psychotherapist at GAAMHA Inc. in Gardner, MA.1980s
Rose Cardarelli, Ed.D. '81
is Founder and CEO of the Education for All Coalition (EFAC), which was highlighted in a recent Global Campaign For Education-United States, monthly newsletter. EFAC works both inside the United States and internationally to advocate for the protection of basic human rights, including access to basic education, migration and resilience education, and peacebuilding for children and youth. EFAC's programs are culturally sensitive, tailored to need, and focused on play-based curricula with the belief that all children should have the opportunity to achieve their greatest potential in a safe and healthy environment. Learn more in the recently published book written by EFAC Founder & CEO, Rose Cardarelli: Children and the Climate Migration Crisis: A Casebook for Global Climate Action in Practice and Policy. 
Christopher A. Malatesta, Father '89
has been appointed the vicar general for the Diocese of Springfield. Father Malatesta earned a bachelor of science degree in business from Fitchburg State in 1989. Father Malatesta states, “After 23 years of parish ministry, I am honored and humbled to serve as vicar general and moderator of the curia for our diocese. I remain a parish priest at heart and I bring that experience with me as I assist in overseeing the operations of the diocese.”
Francis X. Reidy '82
is receiving the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Division II Athletics Directors Association. Reidy retired from his position as vice president and director of athletics at Saint Leo University after more than 35 years of service. Reidy, who led the Saint Leo Lions to win 30 Sunshine State Conference championships, earn two national championships, and make 125 NCAA Division II championship appearances, retired in August of 2023. Reidy's contributions to intercollegiate athletics also include serving as president of the D2 ADA; the NCAA Championships Committee, with one year of service as chair; and the NCAA Men's Basketball Committee, which he also chaired for a year. He also made valuable contributions to the Sunshine State Conference.2010s
Sean P. DeBettencourt '17
was elected to the Oak Bluffs Select Board. He is a fourth-generation Islander who is focused on keeping the Vineyard attainable for families and the middle class. DeBettencourt received his Masters degree in Education in Curriculum and Teaching.Sarah S. Ellam '11
has been appointed as interim assistant principal of Hopkinton High School. Ellam received her masters degree in education from Fitchburg State in 2011. She has been teaching English for nearly 23 years.
Monique A. Gutherie '19
is now one of three Graphic Communications Instructors at Monty Tech. She started at the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year working with 9th-12th grade. Graphics has a print shop and she manages it working with clients in the school, alongside non-profits and municipalities in the district. The students work with real world clients and gain industry experience. Their shop is special because they have a host of hands-on things for the students to work with. They get to work on many different types of printing and finishing. From posters and magazines to stickers and t-shirts. She says she is so grateful to work with them and prepare them for careers in Graphic Design. Monique is a talent artist in her own right, having been one of two artists to design and paint a large mural in downtown Fitchburg.
Joshua J. Hayes '14
has been promoted to Associate Head Basketball Coach at Fairleigh Dickinson University(FDU). Hayes joined FDU in 2023 as an assistant coach. He previously coached at Army West Point, The Citadel, Barton College and Emmanuel College. He received his bachelors from Fitchburg State in Interdisciplinary Studies and his Masters in Sports Management: Coaching & Athletic Administration, Event and Tourism Management from Liberty University.
Melissa M. Hendry '16
is running the 2025 London Marathon on Sunday, April 27, 2025. This will be the 45th edition of the race, with over 56,000 runners expected to participate.
Vanessa R. Kahn '18
is the Senior Digital Media Specialist at the New England Aquarium. Kahn received her bachelors degree from Fitchburg State with a double major of Communications Media and Earth and Environment Science. After graduating, she spent six months as a digital media intern at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo before moving back to the Boston area and securing another internship that aligned with her passions—this time at the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life at the New England Aquarium. In her current role, Kahn works closely with teams across the Aquarium to share stories about the organization’s research and mission, contributing to ocean conservation using her unique creative skill set. Kahn has continued to expand her skills and grow as a videographer throughout her five years at the Aquarium. When she pitched the idea of investing in an underwater camera rig, her department not only budgeted for the equipment but also sponsored Kahn to get her PADI open-water dive certification.
Jane C. Lacroix '15
is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. Her focus is reporting on celebrity news and viral trends. She has in-depth knowledge of celebrity and internet culture and has covered entertainment news extensively. Jane’s work has been featured in publications such as Ranker, People and Hollywood Life.
Susan Mitchem '17
has been appointed as the new Region 4 Administrator by the Michigan State Court Administrative Office. In this role, Mitchem will serve as SCAO’s liaison to trial courts (circuit, probate, and district) in 29 counties in the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula. She received her MBA from Fitchburg State in 2017.
Gregory E. Rosenthal, Ed.D. '13
has been hired as the new Administrator of Special Services and Student Support Services for the Westfield Public Schools, starting on July 1, 2025.2020s
Samantha K. Beauchamp '21
graduated from Suffolk Law School in 2024 and is now practicing in Worcester County as a public defender through the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS).
Steve Eckert '22
has been hired by Nordic as its chief growth officer. Nordic is a Madison, WI based health and technology consulting firm. Eckert received his MBA from Fitchburg State in 2022. He will be based out Dallas, TX.
Destiny D. Fausta '24
has been hired by BOND Building and Construction, a major construction company based in Medford, as a project engineer. She graduated in 2024 with a degree in Construction Management. Fausta had spent the previous year working as an intern for BOND. Only 14% of all construction workers are women, according to a 2022 report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Less than 1% of construction workers are Black women, making Fausta stand out on any construction site that she steps foot on.
Emily K. Gelinas '24
is joining Harvard Business School as a part-time, Multimedia Producer/Editor. She will be working alongside fellow Communications Media alumnus, David S. Habeeb '87, who is the Creative Director, Technology Products Group.
Riley S. Hogan '23
is starting a new job as a Production Assistant at Wayfair.
Haleigh A. Medlin '21
is running the 2025 Boston Marathon as a member of the Miles for Miracles team fundraising for Boston Children's Hospital. As a freshman at Fitchburg State, Medlin was diagnosed with bilateral compartment syndrome (a condition that happens when pressure within the muscles builds to dangerous levels, according to OrthoInfo) in her legs after her first season on the soccer team. Doctors told that she would probably never run again. Around this time, she got a job as a personal assistant to a young girl with a rare genetic disorder. She immediately felt a kinship with the girl. While Medlin originally accepting her prognosis, in 2024 she got the itch to try running again. After successfully completing a 5k, she started running longer distances. She runs the Boston Marathon to prove to herself she can do something the doctors said she couldn't and in support of her young friend. Medlin is currently a PE teacher at Narragansett Regional and the girls soccer and track and field coach. Read more about Haleigh.
Asante J. Monteiro '21
ran the 2025 Boston Marathon. Asante graduated with his bachelors degree in Business Administration. If he looks familiar, it's because Asante worked for the Alumni and Development Office during his time as a student as a Phonathon Caller.
Matthew P. Murphy '20
has graduated from Suffolk Law School with his Masters in Public Policy and his Juris Doctorate. He currently works as Legislative Director with the Massachusetts State Senate.
Brody R. Tapply '25
has been appointed as a Full-Time Police Officer with the Town of Lunenburg. Brody just graduated with his degree in Criminal Justice and will be going through the Fitchburg State University Police Academy this summer.