Perseverantia: Fitchburg State University Podcast Network

In this episode, Angel Viruet looks at the cultural heritage of Fitchburg, and the community of Fitchburg State University, with a particular focus on the Latinx community.  Angel is a sophomore Business Administration major with a concentration in Marketing .  *** Episodes in this series were produced and edited by the Fitchburg State University students in Professor Kisha Tracy's Storytelli...

Although college radio broadcasts may only reach a limited signal range, their influence on university campuses across the world is immeasurable.  Perhaps no greater example can be found than Fitchburg State University 's student-run radio station WXPL (91.3 FM and streamable online ).   In this episode, Michael Sauvageau playfully discusses how WXPL has helped promote diversity and cultural...

First Generation College Students (FGCS) are one of the most unrecognized group of students at a university.  Many do not see the challenges they have to face as they go through the college search process and when they are finally here.  In this episode, Justin Conner explores the variety of challenges that FGCS have to face on a regular basis and how universities can help them.  This will help no...

In this episode, we examine the diverse religious life outside of traditional Christianity with a particular emphasis on the voices, customs, and narratives influencing places like Fitchburg. Written and narrated by Jaleel Jackson , a junior Business Administration major with a concentration in Management , "More Than a Sunday" is the next episode in the Fitchburg Your Story series. Epis...

Football is culture. Football is identity. Football is a community. In this podcast episode, Devin Lebron, a Fitchburg State University junior, talks about the role the game of football has played in his life -- and the challenge he faced in overcoming a severe injury on the field to find his way back to the game and himself. Written and narrated by Devin Lebron , a Business Administration major w...

In this podcast episode, Hannah Free, a  Fitchburg State University junior, talks about the adoption of disability services, looking at the the changes from Covid back to in person education and how as kids get older they continue to change. Written and narrated by Hannah Free , a Business Administration major with a concentration in Entrepreneurship and Innovation , "Education of Disability...

"Cultural Proficiency as Cultural Heritage" delves into the implications that the community of Fitchburg State actually makes an effort to achieve the goals and beliefs of the University's cultural heritage. As a school known for its excellence in education, cultural proficiency is at the forefront of the University's success. Written and narrated by Hannah Hartman , a dual enr...

This episode shares a personal journey of cultural adoption, navigating the balance between Haitian heritage and life in the US as well as explores Fitchburg State 's supports for diversity and inclusivity. Written and narrated by Kensley Antoine , a Business Administration major with a concentration in Entrepreneurship and Innovation , "Best of Both Worlds" is the next episode in a...

In “To Fly Like a Falcon," Timothy Dewey, a senior at Fitchburg State University , reflects on his college experiences and asks some questions on what it means to be a Falcon. Listen along as he talks about his personal experiences and research into the FSU student, how times have changed, and what he found to be important about his college experience. Written and narrated by Timothy Dewey ,...

" Finding Your Flock" is about exploring cultural heritage and identity formation during the college years, using Fitchburg State University as a lens. Research, faculty interviews, and student experiences inform a deep dive into finding belonging and purpose, challenging the idea of college as just a temporary phase and advocating for active community engagement to build lasting connect...

CATCHING UP WITH… is an ongoing series where Fitchburg State alumni reflect on their time here on campus, celebrate their accomplishments and discuss how they got from here to where they are now. This is part two of our special two-part episode featuring Fitchburg State graduates of the Communication Media Department sharing how they took their first steps into the professional world of communicat...

CATCHING UP WITH…is an ongoing series where Fitchburg State alumni reflect on their time here on campus, celebrate their accomplishments and discuss how they got from here to where they are now. This special two-part episode features the Alumni Panel of the 2025 Visions Exhibition, Fitchburg State University’s annual event that showcases the best original work from the students in the Communicatio...

Annabella Valle (COMM ‘25) studied both Theater and Film and Video Production at Fitchburg State University as a Communications Media major.  In this episode of FIVE WITH A FALCON , Annabella shares her passion for Fitchburg State’s theater program -- in particular the impact of Professors Mary Vreeland and Kelly Morgan on her professional and personal growth as an actor and filmmaker.  She also m...

In this episode of the CATCHING UP WITH... series, Fitchburg State University President Donna Hodge catches up with Peter Reynolds (COMM ’83) , as he talks about his journey from being a hungry Fitchburg State graphic design student in the Communications Media department to best-selling author, illustrator, and 2025 Commencement Speaker.   Peter Reynolds is an acclaimed author with over 40 million...

In this episode of FIVE WITH A (future) FALCON , Emily Puccia (COMM '26) talks to Danny Schaffer (COMM '27) about his goals and aspirations as he makes the transition from Middlesex Community College to Fitchburg State University starting the Fall 2025 semester. Danny completed his Associates Degree at Middlesex in film and video production -- and is now looking forward to continue build...

Professor of English Studies Kisha Tracy , who holds a Ph. D. in Medieval Studies from the University of Connecticut, discusses her research shared in a recent Harrod Lecture , Fitchburg State ’s longstanding faculty lecture series.  Dr. Tracy explores decolonizing the study of disability in the Middle Ages -- and how that research fits more broadly within her work as a medievalist specializing in...

In this episode of FIVE WITH A FALCON , Gabriel Rivera (HIST '26) interviews Nicole Salerno . Nicole is the Assistant Director of Study Abroad in the International Education office at Fitchburg State and is passionate about helping students discover new academic opportunities abroad.  Join us and listen to what Nicole has to say about her sense of belonging at Fitchburg State! *** Episode tra...

In this episode of FIVE WITH A FALCON , Isaiah Manuel (COMM '25) details his  journey at Fitchburg State as a student in the Film/Video Production program .   From coming out of the pandemic as a shy and reserved person with no solid direction to becoming an active member in the Communications Media department and taking first place at a student media summit pitch contest, Isaiah reflects on...

To commemorate Women's History Month, we look to those who will one day make history.   When pursuing our dreams, we are often met with obstacles and conflicts that can lead us down the path of demotivation and loss of confidence. This is not the case with Juliana Ricci , a student at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), majoring in aerospace engineering with a concentration in astronautica...

Today, we present one of the episodes produced in this winter's course on the Politics and Poetics of Hip-Hop offered by historian and Professor Katherine Jewell.  The assignment said:  " This assignment is your chance to advance your own interpretation of the evolution or application of the knowledge and insight developed this term. In a one-hour radio show, for which you will produce a...

In this episode, in honor of Black History Month, we present one of the episodes produced in this winter's course on the Politics and Poetics of Hip-Hop offered by historian and Professor Katherine Jewell.  The assignment said:  " This assignment is your chance to advance your own interpretation of the evolution or application of the knowledge and insight developed this term. In a one-ho...

In this episode of FIVE WITH A FALCON , Elliot Zopatti (COMM ‘24) talks about studying Technical Theater (TETA) within the Communications Media department and being an active member of the campus community, including serving as a Residential Advisor (RA).  He also talks about how Fitchburg State -- and, especially, his 20+ strong friend group -- helped him find his sense of belonging.  As a member...

We all experience the death of a loved one at some point in our lives.  But how can it impact us when it occurs during adolescence?   In this special release, Jeremy Allik (COMM '25) sits down with his mother, Marjorie Raskin to discuss the death of her brother Tommy, on November 30, 1977.  Marjorie was 13 years old when her 16-year-old brother -- Jeremy's Uncle Tommy -- died. Marjorie t...

This week's round-up mixes things up with a special Exam Week Edition.  Round-Up Host Nick Castillo talks to students on campus about how they get through finals week.  From the quiet zen of a monk to maniacally listening to video game boss music, these half dozen Fitchburg State students all take different approaches to making it through finals. This is the last episode of the Weekly Round-U...

Joining host Tori Kiolbasa ('25) on GTTP is Student Government Association (SGA) President Mike Burns (HIST ‘26) and Senator Josh Cronin (COMM '26).  In addition to their service to student government, Mike is a columnist for The Point -- Fitchburg State University’s student-run newspaper -- and Josh hosts North Central News , a collaboration between The Point and Fitchburg Access Televi...