Convocation was held Thursday, April 18 at 2 p.m. in Weston Auditorium. Spring convocation is a formal ceremony when our community gathers to honor academic accomplishment.
Please note that day classes are canceled for this celebration.
Award Recipients
See the list of 2024 award recipients and a recording of the event.
Award recipients who plan to attend should register online by completing the award recipient form or by contacting the Office of Student Affairs at 978.665.3130.
Students should arrive and plan to check-in at 1:30 pm in the breezeway between the Weston Auditorium and the Antonucci Science Building.
Students then lineup on first floor of the science building.
Faculty lineup in Kent Recital Hall of the Conlon Fine Arts Building.
The processional will begin promptly at 2 p.m.
Guests
Weston Auditorium is located at 353 North St. When planning your travel, please try to arrive by 1:30 p.m.
Following the ceremony there will be a reception for award winners and their families as well as faculty, administrators and students.
Any guests who have a disability can request accommodations through the Disability Services Office at 978.665.4020.
We look forward to seeing you for this very special day.
- Reception to follow
- Maps and Directions
The Awards
The Honors Convocation awards are bestowed at the departmental and campus levels. The selection standards for each award are outlined below.
President's Scholar Award
Awarded to students who have demonstrated the highest standards of academic excellence. Criteria include an essay describing academic achievements, faculty recommendations and extracurricular activities.
Distinguished Scholar Award
Awarded to senior students who will graduate with at least a 3.9 overall grade point average (GPA).
Commonwealth Honors Scholars
Recipients complete a minimum of 18 credits of Honors Program courses, achieve proficiency in a foreign language and complete a thesis project.
Commonwealth Honors Scholar Students of the Year
Selected based on nominations from the Honors Program faculty, who consider individual students’ contributions to the program through service, classwork, dedication to learning and excellence in thesis work.
Criminal Justice Academic Achievement Award
Given annually to two seniors who demonstrate overall academic excellence and exhibit a high degree of commitment to their chosen field.
Eunice J. Matson Scholarship
Awarded annually to a full-time junior or senior majoring in Behavioral Sciences based on criteria including community involvement, leadership and scholarship.
Human Services Award
Awarded to a senior student who has demonstrated excellence in scholarship and community service that reflects a commitment to the values and philosophy underlying the human services profession.
Human Services Students’ Choice Award
Awarded by students in the Human Services program to a senior who has demonstrated high academic achievement and a commitment to the ideals of the human services profession.
Sociology Award for Academic Excellence
Awarded annually to a student who demonstrates high academic achievement and excellence in the program.
Outstanding Senior in Biology
Awarded to a student with a GPA of 3.5 or higher with consideration given for service to the department and participation in other activities related to their major or future career.
Outstanding Senior in Chemistry
Awarded to a student with a GPA of 3.5 or higher with consideration given for service to the department and participation in other activities related to their major or future career.
Outstanding Public Service Award
Awarded for meritorious service to the department.
Outstanding Senior Accounting Award
Awarded to a senior accounting student who has excelled academically and shown leadership skills within the university and community.
Outstanding Senior Management Award
Awarded to a senior management student who has excelled academically and shown leadership skills within the university and community.
Outstanding Senior Marketing Award
Awarded to a senior marketing student who has excelled academically and shown leadership skills within the university and community.
Applied Communications Graduate Student of the Year
Awarded to a student based on grade point average, contribution to the discipline and quality of work.
Elaine T. Coyne Women in Film Memorial Scholarship
Awarded to an outstanding female senior in film, television, photography, theater or game design, prior to completing an internship.
Film Student of the Year
Awarded to a student based on grade point average, contribution to the discipline and quality of work.
Game Design Student of the Year
Awarded to a student based on grade point average, contribution to the discipline and quality of work.
Graphic Design Student of the Year
Awarded to a student based on grade point average, contribution to the discipline and quality of work.
Jacquie LaCoy Documentary Award
Awarded to support the expenses associated with a student-produced project.
Louis O. Lorenzen Visual and Performing Arts Award
Awarded to a full-time sophomore based on academic performance, with preference given to a Communications Media major who also shows an aptitude or deep interest in art.
Photography Student of the Year
Awarded to a student based on grade point average, contribution to the discipline and quality of work.
Professional Communications Student of the Year
Awarded to a student based on grade point average, contribution to the discipline and quality of work.
Theater Student of the Year
Awarded to a student based on grade point average, contribution to the discipline and quality of work.
Video Student of the Year
Awarded to a student based on grade point average, contribution to the discipline and quality of work.
Robert F. McGuire Memorial Award
Awarded to a computer science major based on criteria including a minimum GPA of 3.3, conduct, and positive impact on the department.
Outstanding Senior in Computer Information Systems
Awarded to a student in the major with a minimum 3.5 GPA.
Outstanding Senior in Computer Science
Awarded to a student in the major with a minimum 3.5 GPA.
Stephen W. Clair Memorial Scholarship
Awarded to an Earth Systems Science or Geographic Science & Technology major with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher and active membership in the Geography Club.
Earth and Geographic Sciences Community Service Award
Awarded to an Earth Systems Science or Geographic Science & Technology major excelling in community service activities in support of the department and the university.
Outstanding Student in Earth Systems Science
Awarded to a student based on grade point average, contribution to the discipline and quality of work.
Outstanding Student in Geographic Science and Technology
Awarded in recognition of superb performance in geoscience courses.
Award for Excellence in International Studies
Awarded annually to a senior who demonstrates overall academic excellence and an extraordinary commitment to the field.
Alex Donkor Award for Excellence in Economics
Awarded annually to a senior who demonstrates overall academic excellence and an extraordinary commitment to the field.
Roger F. Holmes Award for Excellence in History
Awarded to a senior who demonstrates academic excellence and an extraordinary level of commitment to history.
Christina F. Kelley Award for Excellence in the Field of Women’s Studies
Awarded to a scholar who demonstrates overall academic excellence and extraordinary commitment to the field of women’s studies.
Outstanding Senior in History/Secondary Education
Awarded annually to a senior who demonstrates overall academic excellence and an extraordinary commitment to the field.
Outstanding Student in Political Science
Awarded annually to a senior who demonstrates overall academic excellence and an extraordinary commitment to the field.
Patricia Barbaresi James ’58 Scholarship
Awarded to a current, full-time, undergraduate, non-traditional junior Education or Nursing major with a GPA of 3.0. Preference is given to students who display evidence of demonstrable volunteer experience in the community.
Carla Borg Scholarship
Awarded in memory of a former faculty member by special education graduate faculty to a student who has demonstrated extraordinary skill and effort in promoting inclusion of all students.
Early Childhood Education Scholarship
Awarded to an early education major to facilitate academic goals and is renewable with satisfactory academic progress.
Education Department Service Award
Presented annually to a senior education major who has worked for the betterment of the department.
Matthew C. Dimacale Memorial Scholarship
Awarded to a non-traditional education major who plans to teach, with preference given to students with a musical background.
Roberta Fitzmaurice Connors ’63 Scholarship
Awarded to a full-time early childhood education major who demonstrates ability to be an outstanding early childhood educator.
Katherine “Kay” Flynn ’57 Special Education Scholarship
Awarded to students concentrating in special education based on a GPA of 3.2 or higher, evidence of good character and active participation in extracurricular activities or community service involving individuals with special needs.
Dr. William J. Goldman Award in Special Education
Awarded to an outstanding senior in special education who has maintained excellent standing in scholarship, leadership and community service.
Pamela & Lawrence Hill Middle School Education Scholarship
Awarded to an outstanding full-time junior or senior middle school education major with a GPA of 3.5 or above.
Eunice J. Matson Scholarship
Awarded annually to a full-time junior or senior majoring in education based on criteria including community involvement, leadership and scholarship.
Dr. Anne May ’52 Memorial Scholarship
Awarded to a full-time student with a primary concentration in special education based on a GPA of 3.2 or higher, strong academic performance and the demonstrated ability to be an outstanding special education major.
Helen T. O’Flaherty Scholarship
Awarded to an early education major to facilitate academic goals and is renewable with satisfactory academic progress.
Outstanding Senior in Early Childhood Education
Presented to a senior who has demonstrated strong academic abilities in the classroom, pre-practicum, and in student teaching, as well as contributing to the campus community.
Outstanding Senior in Elementary Education
Presented to a senior who has demonstrated strong academic abilities in the classroom, pre-practicum, and in student teaching, as well as contributing to the campus community.
Outstanding Senior in Middle School Education
Presented to a senior who has demonstrated strong academic abilities in the classroom, pre-practicum, and in student teaching, as well as contributing to the campus community.
Owens-Mara Scholarship
Selected by the education department based upon promise as a leader in the field of elementary education.
Saxifrage Education Award
Awarded to a student in education who embodies perseverance, fidelity, fortitude, steadfastness, persistence and tenacity.
Joseph E. Cutler Award
Given in appreciation of service and leadership by an Engineering Technology student.
Walter F. Harrod ’40 Scholarship
Given to an Industrial Technology student whose academic achievement is consistently high (2.8 GPA or higher) and who shows strength of character, integrity and noticeably positive attitude. Equally important, the recipient will demonstrate a commitment to perform “community service” in Fitchburg or in his or her hometown and whose career plans include entry into the industrial technology fields and who will continue to contribute to the quality of life of his or her family, community and learning.
George B. James ’57, ’60 Memorial Scholarship
Awarded to a full-time undergraduate upperclassman majoring in industrial technology on the basis of financial need and high academic achievement.
Francis Marcille ’60 Memorial Award
Awarded to an outstanding undergraduate in the major, with a minimum GPA of 3.0, who will enter the field of education.
John L. Powers Memorial Scholarship
Awarded to an outstanding undergraduate in the Industrial Technology major, with a minimum GPA of 3.0, who will enter the field of education.
Arthur E. Purington Award
Awarded in recognition of academic achievement and technical excellence.
Carl T. Witherell ’32 Memorial Scholarship
Awarded to an outstanding undergraduate in the Engineering Technology major.
Colin E. Bourn ’63 English Scholarship
Awarded to a student showing achievement in the English discipline with preference given to a student showing commitment to academic excellence in all studies.
Robert E. Cormier Memorial Scholarship
Awarded to a junior demonstrating excellence in either the secondary education or literature concentrations.
English Studies Award
Awarded to an English Studies student with a demonstrated love of literature, evidenced by an essay evaluated by the department.
English Studies Department Scholarship
Awarded to an English Studies student with a demonstrated love of literature, evidenced by an essay evaluated by the department.
Patricia A. Hess ’94 Memorial Scholarship
Awarded to a non-traditional female student with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and a love for literature, professional writing or secondary education.
Leo J. Hines Memorial Scholarship
Awarded to a student demonstrating academic excellence who can “exemplify some of the zeal of Chaucer’s Oxford Clerk and the distinction of Castiglione’s Courtier.”
Dr. Nancy R. Kelly ’80 Memorial Award
Awarded to a graduating senior who demonstrates persistence, determination, empathy and promise as a future English educator who has also performed meaningful community service.
Louis P. Shepherd Memorial Scholarship
Awarded to two qualified students demonstrating outstanding performance in the teaching and writing concentrations in English Studies.
Leadership in Exercise and Sports Science Award
Awarded to two senior students with GPAs above 3.5 who have demonstrated leadership qualities while promoting health and fitness to the campus or surrounding community.
Outstanding Day Student in Interdisciplinary Major
Awarded to a student in recognition of dedication and academic achievement.
Outstanding Evening Student in Interdisciplinary Major
Awarded to a student in recognition of dedication and academic achievement.
Outstanding Senior in the Music Minor
Awarded to a student in recognition of dedication and academic achievement.
Outstanding Student in Arabic
Awarded to a student in recognition of dedication and academic achievement.
Outstanding Students in the Art History Minor
Awarded to students in recognition of dedication and academic achievement.
Outstanding Students in the Art Studio Minor
Awarded to students in recognition of dedication and academic achievement.
Outstanding Students in the Italian Minor
Awarded to students in recognition of dedication and academic achievement.
Outstanding Student in the Philosophy Minor
Awarded to a student in recognition of dedication and academic achievement.
Outstanding Student in the Spanish Minor
Awarded to a student in recognition of dedication and academic achievement.
Frank Patterson Memorial Scholarship
Awarded to support band members who would benefit from access to private music instruction.
Department Scholarship Award
Awarded to students who have completed at least four high-level math courses.
Department Scholarship Award
Awarded to a junior mathematics major based on mathematics and overall GPA, faculty recommendations and contributions to the mathematics department.
Outstanding Mathematics Student of the Year Award
Awarded to a student who has completed at least four high-level math courses.
Outstanding Mathematics Minor of the Year
Awarded to a student in recognition of dedication and academic achievement.
Dr. Mark A. Snyder Memorial Scholarship
Multi-year award to a math major who chooses to pursue the initial teacher licensure.
James H. Guertin Memorial Scholarship
Awarded to a full-time nursing student based on financial need.
Grace Gummo Award
Awarded for clinical, academic and leadership excellence.
Grace Gummo Nursing Scholarship
Awarded for clinical, academic and leadership excellence.
Carol Picard Leadership Award
Awarded for clinical, academic and leadership excellence.
Katherine Sehl Award
Awarded for clinical, academic and leadership excellence.
Student Nursing Association Award
Awarded to a first-year nursing student who is an active member of the Student Nursing Association and has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and dedication to the field.
Visiting Nursing Association Trust Scholarship
Awarded to a junior nursing student who is an active member of the Student Nursing Association and plans to work in the health care field in Northern Worcester County.
Eleanor Voorhies Award
Awarded for clinical, academic and leadership excellence.
Class of 1929 Kirkpatrick-Percival Award
Awarded to an outstanding senior psychology major on the basis of scholarship and service in psychology.
Beverly Roder & Mabel “Gin” Sgan Award in Psychology
Awarded to a graduating senior majoring in psychology.
Outstanding Creative Writing Piece
Outstanding Oral Presentations
Evaluated on the confidence of the presenter and command of knowledge in a field, clarity of thought, organization, and professionalism.
Outstanding Poster Presentations
Evaluated on the confidence of the presenter and command of knowledge in a field, clarity of thought, organization, and professionalism.
Outstanding Visual Arts/Film Award
Frederick Douglass Citizenship Award
Awarded to a student who exemplifies the character and perseverance of the abolitionist, orator, journalist and champion of American ideals who was born into slavery in 1817.
Kathleen & Frederick Brissette Memorial Scholarship
Awarded to a full-time undergraduate upperclassman with a minimum 3.75 GPA.
Center for Italian Culture Scholarship
Awarded to students studying abroad in Italy during the upcoming summer or academic year, or to students pursuing academic studies in Italian language, Italian culture and Western civilization, selected on the basis of financial need and academic merit.
Class of 1959 Scholarship
Awarded to a current, full-time, undergraduate junior majoring in education, to facilitate academic goals with preference given to students who demonstrate strong academic achievement.
Class of 1963 Endowed Scholarship
Awarded to a current, full-time, undergraduate upperclassman majoring in education or nursing with a minimum 2.5 GPA.
Garrett Conrad Scholarship
Awarded to a student with an outstanding record of service and commitment to the university and community.
Esoteric Society Scholarship
Awarded to a current full-time undergraduate student residing in Massachusetts to facilitate academic goals.
Fenwick Society Scholarship
Awarded to a current full-time undergraduate student with a 2.5 GPA or higher who displays evidence of good character and active participation in extra-curricular activities with emphasis in varsity or intramural sports and/or community service.
Dinelle L. Finch Memorial Scholarship
Awarded to a full-time undergraduate student with a 2.5 GPA or higher.
Donald ’72, ’79 & Karen ’90 Irving “Pay It Forward” Scholarship
Awarded to current full-time undergraduate students residing in Massachusetts with a minimum GPA of 2.7 or higher with demonstrated financial need and majoring in nursing or industrial technology.
Leary Family Scholarship
Awarded to a child or grandchild of a Fitchburg State University staff member on the basis of academic excellence.
Charles D. Maner Memorial Scholarship
Awarded to full time undergraduate student employed by the Information Technology Department in recognition of passion for technology, minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher and outstanding work for the department.
NYPRO Scholars
Awarded to an undergraduate junior or senior majoring in the science and technology fields based on criteria including academic merit.
Kathleen Mary O’Neil Scholarship
Awarded to full-time, undergraduate, female, citizen of the United States, in the top 50 percent of her class.
Dean Rachupka ’93 Memorial Scholarship
Awarded to a current, full-time undergraduate, upper-class student (sophomores, juniors, seniors) who is a resident of North Central Massachusetts with a minimum 3.0 grade point average.
Albert P. Russo ’52 Memorial Scholarship
Awarded to a full-time undergraduate upperclassman majoring in education on the basis of financial need.
Sterilite Scholars
Awarded to undergraduate sophomores, juniors, and seniors with high academic achievement who demonstrate involvement and activity beyond the classroom.
Philip J. ’57 and Anne C. Tardanico ’77, ’86 Scholarship
Awarded to a full-time undergraduate junior or senior majoring in industrial technology or education and demonstrating academic achievement.
Vittorioso-Gallagher Family Scholarship
Awarded to a current full-time undergraduate junior majoring in IDIS prelaw, economics, history or political science who has earned the greatest increase in GPA from freshman year over junior year.
Kevin L. Mumper Memorial Scholarship
Awarded to an upcoming sophomore, junior or senior with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and participation in the SGA Council.
Senior Class Gift Scholarship
Awarded to an upcoming sophomore, junior or senior with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and participation in the SGA Council.
Student Government Association Scholarship
Awarded to an upcoming sophomore, junior or senior with a minimum GPA of 3.0, who promotes leadership on campus.