FITCHBURG — Bestselling author, illustrator, and entrepreneur Peter H. Reynolds will return to Fitchburg State University this spring as its 2025 commencement speaker. The undergraduate ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 17, on the university’s campus.
Reynolds, a Fitchburg State alumnus, is internationally recognized for his beloved children’s books, including The Dot, Ish, The Word Collector, and the graduation favorite Be You. He has also illustrated the Judy Moody series and collaborated with rock legend Yusuf/Cat Stevens on the #1 bestselling book Peace Train. As the founder of FableVision, an educational media company focused on fostering creativity and learning, Reynolds has made a lasting impact on young minds and educators worldwide.
Fitchburg State University President Donna Hodge expressed her enthusiasm for Reynolds’ return, celebrating his influence as an artist and storyteller.
“Peter H. Reynolds is a force for good in this world—an artist, a storyteller, and a visionary who has dedicated his life to inspiring others to be brave, creative, and limitless,” Hodge said. “As a proud alumnus, his journey is proof of what a Fitchburg State education can unlock. He has spent his career helping people find their voice and make their mark, and I can think of no better person to send off the Class of 2025 with that very message.”
Reynolds, whose work is widely embraced by educators, parents, and children, said he is honored to return to his alma mater.
“Fitchburg State is home for me,” Reynolds said. “I found a community of educators who were eager to support me and my fellow students, and I am thrilled to share my experiences with the Class of 2025 as they write their own next chapters.”
Beyond his literary and artistic accomplishments, Reynolds is a passionate advocate for education, innovation, and storytelling. His creative empire, based in the Boston area, includes The Blue Bunny Bookstore, his interactive media company FableVision Studios, and the Reynolds Center for Teaching, Learning & Creativity, a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring educators and lifelong learners.
The Fitchburg State University community looks forward to welcoming Reynolds back to campus as he shares his insights and encouragement with the graduating class.
For more information about Fitchburg State University’s 2025 Commencement, visit fitchburgstate.edu/commencement.
