MCPHS 2025: A Year in Photos

The MCPHS-Boston Black Student Union hosted its 4th annual Black Excellence Dinner in February to honor Black History Month. Held in White Hall, the evening brought together students, faculty, staff, and alumni for a night of food, entertainment, and meaningful connections—all in celebration of Black excellence. This signature event was presented in collaboration with the MCPHS Office of University Advancement. (Osa Igiede photo)

Advancing Pharmacy: MCPHS Hosts 2025 Reed Conference

MCPHS President Richard J. Lessard stands with alums Kama Thomas, Kathleen Gura, and Anna Santoro, along with Provost Caroline Zeind, at the annual Reed Conference for Pharmacy in March at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA. The event, which honors Howard L. Reed’s service to MCPHS, featured presentations on medications for obesity, heart failure, thrombosis, and more, offering five hours of live, ACPE-accredited continuing education. (Brian Malloy photo)

Capstone Competition Creates Pharmacy Entrepreneurs

The 21st annual School of Pharmacy—Boston Capstone Business Plan Competition in April showcased the creative thinking and entrepreneurial spirit of our Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) students. This year, 24 teams presented their business ideas and competed for cash prizes.

Student Scholarship on Display

The sixth annual Boston Student Research Conference was held in early April. Students shared their research through posters and presentations, showcasing the impact of artificial intelligence and other innovations in healthcare.

A Delicious Study Break at Late Night Breakfast

At the end of April, students filled the Fennel Atrium at MCPHS Boston for the beloved Late Night Breakfast, a tradition marking the start of finals week. Attendees enjoyed fresh fruit, pastries, stacks of pancakes, and more served by faculty and staff, including President Richard J. Lessard and Provost Caroline Zeind. The event offered students a welcome break, a warm meal, and words of encouragement as they prepared to tackle their exams. (Randall Garnick Photography)

Honoring Excellence in Teaching, Research, and Mentorship

Dr. Crystal Ellis, Associate Professor of Biology, poses with Dr. Keri Griffin, Professor of Public Health and Dean of the Center for Research and Discovery, after receiving the inaugural Research Mentor of the Year Award at the MCPHS Faculty Day celebration in May, held on the Worcester campus. The University-wide event recognized outstanding faculty achievements in teaching, research, and mentorship. (Randall Garnick Photography)

Celebrating the Class of 2025

Spring Commencement exercises were held in May at the Leader Bank Pavilion in Boston’s Seaport district. Thousands of MCPHS Community members gathered to celebrate nearly 1,700 undergraduate, graduate, certificate, and doctoral candidates.

Becoming Cardinals: MCPHS Welcomes Students for Orientation

Incoming undergraduate students gathered on the Boston campus in June for a series of Orientation sessions filled with introductory experiences and activities organized by the Center for Campus Life. Students had the chance to immerse themselves in life at MCPHS, meet new classmates, and learn more about the University’s living, social, and academic spaces. (Randall Garnick Photography)

Global Connections: MCPHS Welcomes International Students at Boston Reception

Students share smiles and lively conversation at the International Student Welcome Reception in White Hall on the Boston campus in August. Hosted by the Offices of the President and Provost, the event brought together new MCPHS students from around the world to celebrate the start of their academic journey and connect with the University Community. (Randall Garnick Photography)

Move-In Day: MCPHS’s Newest Students Arrive on Campus

Students and volunteers unload carts and boxes in late August during Move-In Day on the Boston campus, where 644 students from 33 states and 43 countries began settling into residence halls. (Randall Garnick Photography)

Mascots of the Fenway, Assemble!

In what became a viral moment, Red the MCPHS Cardinal reunited with friends from the Colleges of the Fenway—Ruggles the Leopard (Wentworth), Marty the Mastodon (MassArt), Halo the Saint Bernard (Emmanuel), and Stormy the Shark (Simmons—to kick off the fall semester with fun and school spirit.

Marking a Milestone in Worcester

In September, faculty, alumni, and community members gathered on the Worcester campus to mark its 25th anniversary, celebrating a moment filled with both nostalgia and forward-looking vision.

An Academic Partnership for Innovation

MCPHS President Richard J. Lessard and WPI President Grace J. Wang finalized a new agreement in October, solidifying accelerated degree pathways that unite the strengths of both institutions and support Worcester’s growing biotech and health innovation ecosystem.

MCPHS Memories: Back Where It All Began

Members of the Class of 1975 enjoy reconnecting during their Golden Graduate Reunion at the MCPHS Boston Campus in October, celebrating 50 years since their graduation. (Brian Malloy Photography)

Honoring NESA’s Legacy

In November, alumni, faculty, staff, and guests gathered on the Boston campus as MCPHS hosted a celebration marking the New England School of Acupuncture’s (NESA) 50th anniversary. NESA also opened a new Acupuncture Treatment Center on the Boston campus this fall.

A ‘Wicked’ Good Time

Students danced the night away at the Harvest Ball in November, where the “Wicked” theme cast the perfect spell for fun and celebration.

Spotlight on Student Research

From pharmacy deserts to Gen Z learning strategies, student researchers explored timely issues shaping the future of healthcare at the second annual Manchester Research and Scholarship Day in November.

Celebrating Our Newest Grads at Winter Commencement

Commencement exercises were held on December 16 at the DCU Center in Worcester. Degrees were conferred on students from the Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene, as well as the Schools of Medical Imaging and Therapeutics, Nursing, and Physician Assistant Studies–Worcester/Manchester. The alumni speaker was Susan D’Anna, the first person to earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University.