2010s
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.
Joshua M. Romano, Colonel '10, '14
has been promoted to the rank of Colonel. Romano has long served as a member of the U.S. Army National Guard. He is also the current principal of Leominster High School.
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.
Jordan M. Tofalo '16
won the "Best Actress" award at the "Top Shorts Film Festival" for her role in the film "Solus." The short film also won awards in the "Best Thriller," "Best Director," "Best Actor," and "Best Supporting Actress" categories.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.
Thomas "TJ" Saccoccio '22
is part of team from MIT to win a 2025 New England Emmy in the Education/Schools category for MIT Video Productions. The team includes alumnus Thomas "TJ" Saccoccio '22 and Dawn (Polascak) Morton '90 for "That Creative Spark." Featuring MIT Students, The MIT Forge and MIT DMSE, the video highlights one of the world's most renowned makers of hand-forged knives, Bob Kramer of Kramer Knives teaching both professors and a class at MIT on the art of bladesmithing.
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.