Chief US probation officer inspires FSU graduates.

• Author: Klaft, Lynne
• Position: Local

Byline: Lynne Klaft

FITCHBURG -- Fitchburg State University has a proud tradition of bringing back its alumni as commencement day speakers. Chief U.S. Probation Officer for the District of Massachusetts and class of 1989 graduate Christopher Maloney on Saturday described how his experiences at Fitchburg State shaped the 25 years he has spent in public service.

Born and raised in Dedham, Mr. Maloney said that he thought the years he spent on campus were probably not much different than today's class of 2014. He said when he moved on to campus he had two goals in mind -- making the football team and meeting girls. The Division 3 team he played on had the distinction of winning one game in four years.

"The legendary football coach Mike Ditka once said, 'You're never a loser until you quit trying.' That couldn't have been more true of those early teams and as time has passed I have learned that Coach Ditka's words really hold true for all that we do in life,'' said Mr. Maloney.

During his junior year at FSU, he realized he needed a life and career plan. He took his adviser's advice and visited people whose jobs he found interesting. After shadowing a probation officer, Mr. Maloney knew that was what he wanted to be. He learned that relevant experience was important in order to get into the field, so he spent two years as an inpatient substance abuse counselor to drug addicted teens before starting his career in community corrections as a probation officer in Florida. With hopes of returning to Massachusetts to continue his career, Mr. Maloney discovered there was a hiring freeze there.

Nevertheless, he returned to Massachusetts in 1992 to work in the federal system, and was sent to Washington D.C. as a regional administrator. In 2002, he was named the chief of the Office of Probation and Pretrial Services program in Washington, and in 2004 was appointed the Chief U.S. Probation Officer for the District of New Jersey, where he served until his appointment in Massachusetts three years ago.

"I have learned a lot since returning home. After years of focusing on my career, coming home helped me realize life was only just beginning for me. After 25 years pursuing my professional dreams, I have learned that striking a healthy balance between home and work is the true key to success,'' said Mr. Maloney. "As you leave here today and begin your own journey, be sure to make time for your friends and family. The people here today are the ones who believe in you and will be there to help get you back on track. Your time at Fitchburg State University has prepared you for much more than a career, it has prepared you to live life to its fullest.''

Communications Media graduate Daniella Daniels' mother, brother and grandmother were all present to see her receive her diploma.

"We're so very proud of her. She already has a job as an intern at (Boston radio station)...