FITCHBURG — “There’s momentum here,” Fitchburg State University President Donna Hodge said to the Class of 2026 graduates at the May 16 commencement ceremony.
Nearly 500 degrees were conferred on Sunday afternoon during the undergraduate event held on the Fitchburg State University (FSU) campus, which followed the graduate ceremony that took place earlier that morning. Thousands of people gathered for the special occasion to cheer on family and friends who are now on to the next chapter of their lives.
Hodge went on to say that “public universities like Fitchburg State are so important right now” and that the graduates “simply didn’t pass through Fitchburg State, you shaped it.”
“Congratulations Class of 2026 – onward.”
Rep. Mike Kushmerek, a double Falcon, along with Fitchburg Mayor Sam Squailia and Gardner Mayor Mike Nicholson were among those who came out to celebrate the graduates and their accomplishments.
Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, who is part of the first all-female executive administration in the state, was the keynote speaker.
“You are all here because you did the work,” she said to the beaming graduates. “It’s about perseverance. It’s about growth. I see determination. I see resilience. Keep moving forward with purpose, with kindness, with courage…go get the world.”
Charles Stevenson, a dual computer science and mathematics major from Rutland and a veteran of the Army Reserve, was named the 2026 recipient of the Robert V. and Jeanne S. Antonucci Award at FSU. He was thrilled to receive the prestigious honor along with his degree and delivered the student address at the university’s undergraduate commencement ceremony on Sunday.
Stevenson spoke about achieving dreams and how support and “the love of community” plays a big role in the success of academic achievements. He then sent his fellow graduates off with these words prior to degrees being handed out by Hodge and FSU faculty lining the sidewalk congratulating them all as they walked by with proud smiles on their faces – “We made it.”
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