Notable Alumni of Fitchburg State University

Fitchburg State University, founded in 1894 in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, has a rich history of producing accomplished graduates across various fields. This article highlights some of the university's notable alumni, showcasing their diverse achievements and contributions to society.

A Legacy of Excellence

Fitchburg State University (Fitchburg State) is a public university. It has 3,421 undergraduate and 1,238 graduate/continuing education students, for a total student body enrollment of 4,659. The university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in 25 academic disciplines. Throughout its history, Fitchburg State has been accredited by reputable organizations, including the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. The university's sports teams, known as the Falcons, compete in the NCAA Division III.

Arts and Media

Fitchburg State has a strong presence in the arts and media industries, with alumni making significant contributions in various roles.

Danny Quin: From Fitchburg State to the Emmys

Danny Quin's journey is a testament to the power of seizing opportunities. Initially worried about being lost in large lecture halls, Quin found a life-changing opportunity with an internship at Comcast SportsNet New England (now NBC Sports Boston). This experience allowed him to learn the industry ropes and build valuable connections. He worked on major events like three Super Bowls, one Red Sox World Series, and two Olympics (Sochi 2014, Rio 2016). Quin's career has evolved into social media marketing, where he currently serves as the Digital and Social Media Specialist at UMass Memorial Health Care. He advises new graduates that “Everybody's road is different. Just because someone else gets their ‘dream job’ first, doesn't mean you're doing something wrong.

Deandra: Vibrant Designs

Deandra's work stands out due to its vibrant and sleek designs. As a student, she thrived on challenges and actively sought opportunities outside the classroom. Presenting her work and accepting critiques in class proved essential to her career. She was also the graphic designer for the Fitchburg State Athletics Department. An internship at Kel and Partners further enhanced her skills. Deandra began as a freelance graphic designer, creating posters, ads, and album covers for various clients. She then advanced to Creative Director at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

Zachary Barron: Capturing Moments

Zachary Barron's photography work is widely recognized, with clients including the NFL, Fox TV, Chilis, Wells Fargo Bank, Chipotle, Marriott Hotels, Zipcar, and Quiznos. He was able to intern with photographers Tim Mantoani and Marshall Williams, artists whose work he had admired. Barron emphasizes the value of the hands-on experience he gained at Fitchburg State, including access to equipment, supplies, dark room, and studio space. Today, he runs Zachary Barron Photography and volunteers for Outside the Lens, mentoring high school students interested in creative careers.

Ashley: Bold and Thought-Provoking Plays

Ashley's plays are known for being bold, entertaining, and thought-provoking, with performances in theaters across New York and the country. Her first full-length play, Politicking Away, was performed by the student group Falcon Players. She emphasizes the unique opportunities and resources available at a medium-sized school like Fitchburg State. Besides writing plays, she hosts a podcast Is it Transphobic?, edits videos for SCOWL: Fight for Your Rights, and is a writing instructor for Trans and Nonbinary Narratives. She wrote and performed Pass/Fail, a personal play about the consequences of passing or failing as their chosen gender in the transgender community.

Evelyn: Behind and in Front of the Camera

Evelyn is a versatile professional with experience both behind and in front of the camera. She has worked in Honolulu, Hawaii, and is actively involved in her community. Evelyn valued the hands-on approach of her major at Fitchburg State, which allowed her to create content for local organizations and non-profits. Her TV production work has led to freelance opportunities as an actress and model, including appearances in Hawaii 5-0. She recently received her MBA at Fitchburg State University.

Jared: Leading Design for a Global Company

Jared, a Graphic Design alumnus, now leads the design team for a global company. He values collaboration and feedback in his work. His internship at FableVision Learning was a significant experience, where he helped market and brand educational software. He advises recent graphic design grads to take any opportunity, “never feel that a job is beneath you.

Jess Killam: Behind the Scenes in Film

Jess Killam was known for her organizational skills and ability to get the job done. She made the most of her Film/Video courses and outside projects at Fitchburg State, particularly enjoying classes with professor Mary Baker. Her internship at Skydance provided invaluable experience in the film industry. Currently, she is the Production Coordinator and assistant to the director for the animated feature LUCK. Jess advises students to take a wide variety of classes to have a broad understanding of all aspects of filmmaking.

Read also: Navigating Blackboard

Dan: Capturing Life Through Photography

Dan always dreamed of becoming a professional photographer. He started as a freelance photographer for The Sentinel and Enterprise at a young age and honed his skills at Fitchburg State. Aside from architecture, Dan has photographed a wide array of subjects from oyster fishermen to corporate executives. He advises current students to gain as much experience as possible through assisting, freelancing, observing shoots, or interning.

Kiara Pichardo: From Commercials to Netflix

Kiara Pichardo is a versatile actress who has appeared in commercials for Dunkin’ Donuts and acted in SMILF (Showtime) and The Society (Netflix). Her internship at Boston Casting helped her make industry connections. Some of the work she is most proud of is acting in a production of Caryl Churchill’s Top Girls at the Huntington Theater Company and working on multiple episodes of The Society. Kiara’s advice for recent theater grads is to keep learning and be kind.

Dan Daly: Designing Sets for Stage and Screen

Dan Daly's designs have been featured in Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, and LA. He has designed sets for operas, plays, VR booths, outdoor theater, and interactive experiences. He valued the hands-on nature of the technical theater program at Fitchburg State. Daly is a now a prolific designer frequently working on projects around New York City and Boston. He loves being able to make art for a living.

Chanel Friedman: Marketing Ideas and Products

Chanel Friedman has worked throughout the Boston area, helping companies and organizations market their ideas and products. Her internship at The Rendon Group, a public relations firm, was a significant stepping stone in her career. Chanel stressed the importance of making connections.

Abby Spencer, Art Dept., Mr. Rose Westerman, Art Dept.

This is an evolving list of TV shows and films that our alumni have worked on. Currently it is limited to content that is available to watch online. Alumni listed below have worked on some aspects or episodes of the shows and films listed. Find out more detailed information on their IMDb pages. Abby Spencer, Art Dept. Abby Spencer, Art Dept. Mr. Rose Westerman, Art Dept. This is a partial list of credits that is updated periodically. Season 2 of this comedic web series was written and produced entirely by Fitchburg State alumnx and students under the guidance of director Rachelle Dermer.

Literature and Writing

Fitchburg State boasts notable alumni who have made their mark in the literary world.

R. A. Salvatore: Fantasy Author

Robert Anthony Salvatore is an American author best known for The Legend of Drizzt, a series of fantasy novels set in the Forgotten Realms. He has also written The DemonWars Saga and Vector Prime, the first novel in the Star Wars: The New Jedi Order series. Salvatore has sold over 15 million copies of his books in the United States alone, and 22 of his titles have been New York Times best-sellers. The Amelia V. Gallucci-Cirio Library at Fitchburg State holds special collections of his works.

Peter H. Reynolds: Author and Illustrator

Peter Hamilton Reynolds is a Canadian author and illustrator of children's books and is the founder of the educational media company FableVision. He is known for books like The Dot, Ish, The North Star, and My Very Big Little World.

Robert Edmund Cormier: Author and Columnist

Robert Edmund Cormier was an American author, columnist, and reporter, known for his deeply pessimistic literature. The Amelia V. Gallucci-Cirio Library at Fitchburg State holds special collections of his works.

Politics and Public Service

Several Fitchburg State alumni have dedicated their careers to public service and politics.

Robert A. Hall: Massachusetts State Senator

Robert A. Hall served five terms in the Massachusetts State Senate.

Jennifer Flanagan: Massachusetts General Court

Jennifer L. Flanagan is a former member of the Massachusetts General Court and the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission.

Denise Garlick: Massachusetts House of Representatives

Denise C. Garlick is an American state legislator representing the 13th Norfolk District in the Massachusetts House of Representatives.

Michael Kushmerek: Massachusetts State Representative

Michael P. Kushmerek is an American politician in Fitchburg, Massachusetts representing 3rd Worcester District (Fitchburg) in the Massachusetts state house of representatives.

William Constantino Jr: Massachusetts House of Representatives

William Paul Constantino Jr. is an American lawyer and politician who represented the 12th Worcester District in the Massachusetts House of Representatives from 1983 to 1995.

Other Notable Alumni

Joey Graceffa: YouTuber, Vlogger, and Actor

Joseph Michael Graceffa Jr. is an American YouTuber, vlogger, actor, author, and producer. He runs four active YouTube channels dedicated to vlogging, gaming, daily vlogs, and reactions. His channels have a combined total of more than 2.9 billion views. He was a contestant on The Amazing Race and created and hosted Escape the Night.

Patricia Deegan: Disability Rights Advocate and Psychologist

Patricia E. Deegan is an American disability-rights advocate, psychologist, and researcher. She is known as an advocate of the mental health recovery movement and is an international speaker and trainer in the field of mental health.

Priscilla McLean: Composer and Musicologist

Priscilla McLean is an American composer, performer, video artist, writer, and music reviewer.

Athletics Hall of Fame

Fitchburg State welcomed a remarkable cohort of student-athletes into the Athletics Hall of Fame at a ceremony.

Megan M. Jacobs

Vanessa Truax ‘10 recalled first meeting Megan M. Jacobs ‘11 at Fitchburg State; Truax was a junior and Jacobs was a freshman. Jacobs played field hockey for four years, collecting many accolades. In 2010, she was chosen for the Second Team All-Conference and in 2011, she was selected to the First Team All-Conference. She also holds a number of records at Fitchburg State, including first place among all-time goals at 55 and first in career points at 135. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree, she worked in childcare at Bright Horizons for many years, where she became an assistant director. Upon realizing her heart was in the classroom, she moved to Connecticut where she attended graduate school at Southern Connecticut State University where she received her master’s degree in Elementary Education. In 2019, where she received her master’s degree, got married, and started her first teaching job in Connecticut.

Cyril A. Jaundoo, III

Cyril A. Jaundoo, III ‘83 was recognized as a distinguished community leader, educator, probation officer, and basketball coach whose multifaceted contributions have profoundly impacted his community. As a player at Fitchburg State, he ranks sixth all-time in scored points, totaling 1,400 points, he was also fourth in field goal percentage and first in field goals made (all prior to the 3-point field goals being instituted into the NCAA college basketball rules).

Bill Mastrangelo

Steve Lowney ‘95 recognized his former teammate Bill Mastrangelo ‘98 for the caliber of his playing and how he inspired his fellow players. As a freshman year, Mastrangelo won Rookie of the Year and was selected to the All MASCAC 2nd Team. In his senior year, he was chosen to be one of the three team captains. His accolades during his final year at Fitchburg State include being selected as the ECAC North Player of the Year and MASCAC Player of the Year. He was also chosen for the All MASCAC 1st Team, the All ECAC North Team and the North All-Star Team. He was named Offensive Player of the Year and was voted as a N.E.

Emily J. (Swan) Rejniak

Emily J. (Swan) Rejniak ‘10, ‘15 boasts several impressive records from her time as a two-sport athlete, including the fastest-ever goal in NCAA history, according to Coach Rick Terrio. Throughout her soccer career, she ranked first in wins (27) and third in games played (52). In addition to soccer, she played an instrumental role in creating the women’s lacrosse program. After graduating in 2010, she went on to receive her MAT in English from Fitchburg State as well. She currently teaches English at Wachusett Regional High School.

Stalters

As a freshman in 2016, he was named Rookie of the Year, setting the stage for an impressive athletic journey. He holds personal records in the javelin with a remarkable throw of 69.90 meters, as well as in the 60m hurdles (7.59 seconds) and the 110 high hurdles (15.5 seconds). Stalters qualified for Nationals in the javelin during his freshman, sophomore, and junior years, earning All-American honors in both his sophomore (2017) and junior (2018) seasons.

1993-94 men’s ice hockey team

The 1993-1994 Fitchburg State Ice Hockey Team concluded the season with an overall record of 18-5-2. The team captured their fourth ECAC title in five years, winning the ECAC North-Central-South Championship against the Assumption Greyhounds 6-4. That season senior forward Steve Lowney led the team in scoring for the third straight season (27 goals and 24 assists for a total of 51 points). He was also named ECAC North MVP.

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