Campus Currents

May 21, 2018

FSU Celebrates Commencement

FSU Celebrates Commencement

Thousands of friends, family, faculty, and staff packed into the DCU Center in Worcester on Sunday, May 20th, to celebrate the Framingham State University Class of 2018.

“As a result of their hard work, all of our graduates this morning have deepened their knowledge, strengthened their analytical and communication skills, demonstrated their commitment to lifelong learning, and taken an important step in separating themselves from the field in an increasingly competitive job market,” Framingham State President F. Javier Cevallos told the audience during his welcoming remarks.  

Dr. Yvonne Spicer, who made history last year when she was elected the first Mayor of the newly-formed City of Framingham, urged the students to take advantage of their position as college graduates and “sound the alarm” on injustice.

“You must take your place in the world as a change agent,” said Spicer, who is the first African American woman to be popularly-elected mayor in the history of Massachusetts. “Choose diverse experiences. Be courageous. Step out of your comfort zone.”

The University presented Spicer with an honorary Doctor of Public Service Degree during the ceremony.

Framingham State presented the University’s President’s Medal to Nancy and Janina Swiacki in honor of their support and dedication to the FSU community. The sisters are longtime supporters of the FSU Children’s Literature Festival, which has been renamed in their honor, and were also the visionaries and primary supporters of the Ram Statue that has been erected in Crocker Grove.

“During my time at Framingham State, I have been inspired by Janina and Nancy’s commitment to civic engagement, both at FSU and within their local communities,” said President Cevallos.

FSU also honored four faculty members with Distinguished Faculty Awards: Dr. Amanda Simons (teaching), Dr. Xavier Guadalupe-Diaz (scholarship), Dr. Kelly Matthews (advising), and Dr. Elaine Beilin (professional service). 

During the afternoon graduate ceremony, Massachusetts Commissioner of Higher Education Dr. Carlos Santiago addresses the master’s degree recipients, telling them that they are the key to the success of the state’s education economy.

“You have taken the first steps toward lifelong learning,” said Santiago, who received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree from the University following his speech. “Massachusetts needs you. Our future relies on your expertize; on your innovation.”

 

2018 PTBL Completers

PBTL Completer Ceremony

The PBTL completer ceremony took place on May 14, 2018 at 5 p.m. in the Forum. There were 30 completers from early childhood, elementary and secondary education licensure levels.

During the ceremony four completers shared moving reflections regarding what brought them to the PBTL program and why they want to be teachers. Completers received their certificates from the program coordinators for the different licensure levels.

The PBTL program commenced in 1975. It was started by Dr. Robert Grant, Professor Emeritus. Since it commenced, well over 1,000 candidates have completed the program and thereafter pursued work in the education profession in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as well as in other states and countries. They have taught thousands of children in the fields of early childhood, elementary and secondary education.

"As a 1996 completer of FSU’s PBTL program and a former elementary teacher, I understand what is needed to succeed in this rigorous and challenging program," says FSU's own Sandra Shaw, Associate Director of Education Placement and Licensure. "I appreciate what this program has done for me and how it has shaped my career as an educator. I have had the privilege of watching many of the new PBTL completers grow as educators during their time at FSU. I wish them the best in their new careers."

Career Services Events Next Fall

COMING THIS FALL 2018:

SAVE THE DATE: Employment & Engagement Day Fair
Monday, September 17, 2018, 11:30 a.m.— 2:20 p.m., Athletic Center
Great opportunity to find an off-campus job with one of our many local retailers and restaurants or non-profits. This event is also a fantastic opportunity to learn more about clubs, community service, and getting involved both on and off campus. Representatives from 100 local businesses will be looking for YOU!

SAVE THE DATE: Suitable Solutions Career Professionalism Program Kick Off Event
Wednesday, September 26, 2018, 1:30 p.m.— 2:30 p.m., MC Forum
Learn the professional skills that employers want—program overview.

SAVE THE DATE: Career Advice Roundtables (CARS) Networking Event
Wednesday, September 26, 2018, 3:30 p.m.— 5:30 p.m., MC Forum
The CARS Program is designed to provide a dialog between professionals (including many FSU alumni) and students seeking real answers to their career related questions. Each employer will moderate one table as students rotate from table to table seeking advice from participating professionals.

SAVE THE DATE: The 13th Annual Major/Minor Fair
Tuesday, October 23, 2018, 11:30 a.m.— 1:30 p.m., MC Forum
Having difficulty choosing a major or a minor? Learn more about which careers would correlate to your choice. Visit academic tables, Career Services, and International Education (Study Abroad). Ask questions about classes and skills needed for the major/minor you are considering, and how graduate school and internships play a role.

SAVE THE DATE: Human Services Fair
Tuesday, October 23, 2018, 6:00 p.m.— 7:30 p.m., MC Forum
Explore internship and full-time opportunities available in human services and non-profits. Dress professionally, bring your resume, and network with up to 30 employers.

Upcoming events

Women's Lacrosse vs Fitchburg State

Saturday, March 30, 2024

12:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Maple Street Field

Organized by: Athletics

Baseball vs Albertus Magnus

Monday, April 1, 2024

3:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Bowditch Field Athletic & Cultural Complex

Organized by: Athletics

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