wbjournal.com | May 19, 2025 | Worcester Business Journal 35
POWER100
WORCESTER BUSINESS JOURNAL'S
Congratulations,
President Donna Hodge
For 130 years, Fitchburg State has
prepared students not just for
jobs or careers, but to be engaged
citizens and community builders.
"We stand for students who need just one
chance. For working parents, veterans, artists,
entrepreneurs, and late bloomers. We stand
for those who were told they didn't belong—
and for those who dared to believe anyway.
And we will continue to stand. Because we
know who we're here for. We are here for the
student today in the back of the room, afraid
to raise their hand but burning with curiosity.
We are here for the adult learner walking onto
campus with a backpack and a whole life's
worth of experience. We are here for the
dreamers, the question-askers, the returners,
the firsts in their family, and those whose
names we don't yet know. We are here for
them. Because someone was once here for
us."
- Investiture Address, Dr. Donna Hodge
April 25, 2025
