Since its founding, our University has been a home for people who have a clear vision of what their future looks like and are passionately motivated to make a difference. As a leader in health and life sciences education, we work tirelessly together to provide a clear path to make that vision a reality for thousands every year. This path includes programs, resources, support, and ideals to ensure our graduates are ready for the careers they choose. This focus on career readiness is engrained in everything we do. From the classroom to academic support services, to student life initiatives, and the impactful relationships that we build, we have created a system that develops a highly qualified workforce. Whether it’s engaging with our seven Centers for Excellence, the Career Development Center, extracurricular activities, research opportunities, student organizations, alumni mentoring, and more, students are constantly collecting skills and experiences to support their professional pursuits.
As we know, the health and life sciences ecosystem is rapidly evolving while its needs and demands are constantly changing. It’s our mission to respond and evolve with it while developing new academic programs, aggressively investing in our facilities and equipment, and attracting talented and passionate faculty and staff. This adaptability has allowed our University to grow and thrive for more than 200 years.
Student outcomes prove that this approach to career readiness works. Our alumni include entrepreneurs and CEOs, leaders in all areas of the health and life science industry, government officials and policymakers, scientists and research innovators, and so much more. Their stories exemplify MCPHS as a career-focused institution with an unwavering commitment to academic excellence.
This issue of “Our Story” highlights and celebrates just a few of our ongoing efforts in building a career-ready workforce. I hope you enjoy these stories and may they inspire your own pursuits toward personal and professional success. M
THE PATHWAY TO YOUR CAREER
According to national data, MCPHS graduates experience some of the greatest returns on investment and highest median salaries in the country. Students come here to launch a career in healthcare or the life sciences, and the University lays out the path to do so. Explore how graduates are equipped with the skills and confidence for long-term career success.
GAIN SKILLS & EXPERIENCES
CAREER PREPARATION BEGINS in the classroom, collecting knowledge, building expertise, and practicing skills. Students gain essential experience in both traditional learning settings and simulation labs using the latest, industry-standard equipment. Through it all, students are paired with faculty members dedicated to tracking their progress and providing support as needed.
Deep learning happens when students test their skills in real-world scenarios, and nearly every program provides an opportunity to do so. Project-based learning—through capstones, theses, and practice-based research projects—challenges students to apply their knowledge and pursue discoveries in their field. After didactic instruction, students practice their skills in clinical rotations, experiential placements, and internships.
Learning happens beyond the classroom, too. Students can conduct faculty-mentored research, attend national meetings of professional organizations, and volunteer for community initiatives, developing their professional personas and strengthening their resumes.
Emily Brenman, MPAS ’26, performs a procedure on a patient during a clinical rotation.
President Richard J. Lessard
SEEK CAREER SUPPORT
AS STUDENTS GAIN SKILLS AND EXPERIENCES, they also build a support team. These people guide them, work through challenges, and ensure they are on the right path to their chosen career. Faculty and peer mentors are the first members of that team, connecting over shared experiences and similar journeys. These relationships are critical to a student’s academic and professional fortitude.
There are also extensive resources to prepare students for the career they want. The Career Development Center is a one-stop shop for personalized career advising and professional training, including resume building, cover letter writing, interviewing, and preparing for graduate school. Students who take initiative and engage with these opportunities are well prepared to enter the job market.
Students can receive career guidance and support from peers, faculty, and the Career Development Center.
BUILD A STRATEGIC NETWORK
CAREER PREPARATION is a collaborative process between the University and other institutions, organizations, and employers. These strategic partnerships help MCPHS leaders understand the needs of the current job market, bring the information back to students, and adjust academic and support resources to align with workforce demands.
With a robust alumni network across nearly every facet of healthcare and life sciences, there are endless opportunities for students to connect with and be inspired by people who were in their exact same position. Many formalize these connections through alumni mentorship, bringing students and alums together for the long term. These are the strongest and most powerful relationships MCPHS students can make on their journey.
The University hosts events year-round for students to network with faculty, peers, and alumni.
CAREER-READY
THIS PATH FROM MCPHS to a career helps students achieve their goals, honoring their dedication and commitment to their education. Students graduate with the technical knowledge and practical skills to navigate their chosen profession, not just for now, but for the rest of their careers.
AI ON THE AGENDA AT ACADEMIC LEADERSHIP RETREAT
DOZENS OF UNIVERSITY LEADERS and faculty members gathered in April for a retreat on Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare Education and Practice. Dr. Ramya Palacholla, Director of Digital Science and Artificial Intelligence at AstraZeneca, delivered a keynote address. Attendees discussed existing AI initiatives, how students and faculty use AI, and the need for training and professional development to effectively utilize the technology in academics. M
NECHE ACCREDITATION MOVES FORWARD
THE UNIVERSITY’S reaffirmation of accreditation with the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) is moving forward on schedule. A comprehensive self-study is due in January 2027, followed by a campus visit from March 14 to 17 across all campuses. Surveys and town halls launching this summer will gather Community input. M
SLEEP MEDICINE EXPERT SPEAKS TO THE COMMUNITY
THE CENTER FOR HEALTH AND WELLBEING launched its speaker series with Dr. Charles A. Czeisler, Professor of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School. Community members from across the University joined in person and online to hear Dr. Czeisler discuss the importance of getting adequate sleep. He also shared ways to improve sleep quality to avoid adverse health effects. M
Dr. Michael Spooner, Dr. Keri Griffin, President Richard J. Lessard, Dr. Anna Morin, Dr. Ramya Palacholla, and Provost Caroline Zeind at the retreat.
STUDENTS GET BIOTECH READY
A GROUP OF MCPHS STUDENTS took the next step toward careers in the life sciences through LabCentral’s Biotech Ready program. Biotech Ready prepares college students for roles in the industry through micro-credentials, hands-on skill building, mentorship, and access to internships. Students gained valuable experience, expanded their networks, and built confidence as they moved toward meaningful careers in biotech. M
NAVIGATORS ENHANCE STUDENT SUCCESS
THE UNIVERSITY’S NEW NAVIGATOR PROGRAM is now active in seven programs. Faculty Navigators monitor student progress and are automatically alerted of those needing academic support. The Navigators reach out to these students, connect them with University resources, and create personalized plans based on their needs. This collaborative effort between Academic Affairs, the Office of the Provost, and Schools across the University has improved student retention. The program piloted with first-year students in the School of Nursing, where retention after the first semester has increased to 97 percent. M
INTEGRATING AI & ACADEMICS
THE UNIVERSITY IS EXPANDING its artificial intelligence offerings under the leadership of Dr. Michael Spooner and the School of Healthcare Business and Technology. Students on the Boston campus can now enroll in an AI in Healthcare undergraduate minor, designed to provide essential skills for evaluating, developing, and applying AI solutions in healthcare. A new course, AI for Health and Life Sciences Professionals, HTM 260, launched this spring and explores AI literacy, ethics, and applied practice. Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) students are also building AI expertise by dually enrolling in the AI in Healthcare Graduate Certificate. M
2025 NCLEX PASS RATES
Nursing program graduates on all campuses performed well above average on the National Council Licensure Examination: Boston – 90% Worcester – 90% Manchester, NH – 100%
HACKATHON HIGHLIGHTS STUDENT INGENUITY
FIVE INTERDISCIPLINARY TEAMS of students pitched innovative, technology-based solutions to community health challenges during the Hack the Health Gap Innovation Hackathon finale on April 11. The pitches included working prototype demonstrations. The winning pitch, CareStep, is a dual-purpose digital health app to improve follow-through for patients facing food insecurity while managing chronic disease. The hackathon was hosted in partnership with the Massachusetts eHealth Institute (MeHI). M
HUNDREDS ATTEND ANNUAL STUDENT RESEARCH CONFERENCE
GRADUATE STUDENTS SHOWCASE RESEARCH
THE SEVENTH ANNUAL Student Research Conference in Boston was the biggest yet, featuring nearly 200 student presentations. Students explored topics like artificial intelligence, environmental health, mental health, and GLP-1s. This year’s conference, Curiosity to Care: Building Pathways into Healthcare Careers, encouraged academic curiosity in the transition to professional life. M
GRADUATE STUDENTS from the New England School of Acupuncture (NESA), School of Optometry, School of Pharmacy, and School of Physical Therapy presented 32 projects at the annual Worcester Research & Scholarship Day. This year, students used AI to identify new anti-parasite drug compounds, compared herbal supplement regulation in the United States and Canada, tested treatments to prevent genetic eye disorders that cause vision loss, and more. M
Hackathon participants, MCPHS leadership, and MeHI partners at the pitch event.
Community members gathered in Boston to learn about student research projects.
NESA students Huixian Cao, Rachel Gevelber, and Mint Gao investigated the use of music therapy and acupuncture to treat PTSD.
FACULTY GATHER FOR DAY OF RECOGNITION AND CELEBRATION
IN MAY, MCPHS faculty gathered on the Worcester campus to connect and celebrate achievements from the past year at the annual Faculty Day event. Faculty members received awards for teaching and research excellence. They also presented work during a scholarship showcase. Dr. Bathri Vajravelu, Dr. Valerie Coppenrath, and Dr. Matthew Metcalf were honored with Trustees’ Awards. M
PHARMACY
DEAN JOINS ACPE BOARD
DR. ROBERT DICENZO, Associate Provost for Pharmacy Education and Dean of the School of Pharmacy—Boston, was appointed to the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education Board of Directors, effective July 1, 2026. M
PUBLIC HEALTH FACULTY AUTHOR AWARD-WINNING TEXTBOOK
THE TEXTBOOK
Dr. Lindsay Tallon developed and co-edited, “Environmental Health: Foundations for Public Health,” which has won two national awards: a PROSE award from the Association of American Publishers and a Book of the Year Award from the American Journal of Nursing. Two other faculty members, Dr. Devan Hawkins and Dr. Shir Ginzburg, authored chapters in the book, which explores environmental health concepts and policies in an accessible way. M
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR WINS NURSING AWARD
DR. CARLA SMITH is a 2026 Excellence in Nursing Award honoree in the Public Health Nursing category. The annual awards are presented by New Hampshire Magazine and the New Hampshire Nurses Association. M
DOUCETTE NAMED TOP LIBRARIAN
JOANNE DOUCETTE, Associate Director for Research Services and Knowledge Management, was named one of 10 recipients of the 2026 “I Love My Librarian Award” from the American Library Association, recognizing outstanding librarians across the country. She celebrated the honor at a surprise party with faculty, staff, and students in April. M
Joanne Doucette and guests at the surprise party in the MCPHS library.
Dr. Tallon with contributors Kristie Trousdale and Kate Robb and co-editor Natalie Sampson at the textbook launch party.
TOWN HALL EXPLORES OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENGAGEMENT
THE LEADERS of the seven Centers for Excellence presented to hundreds of students during a Town Hall event on the Boston campus hosted by the Student Government Association. President Richard Lessard and Provost Caroline Zeind welcomed attendees before a brief presentation from each Center, during which students asked questions and learned about how to get involved. M
LOBSTER, CHOWDER, AND ‘STRANGER THINGS’ ON THE MENU AT THE CLAMBQ
President Lessard, Provost Zeind, Centers for Excellence leaders, and representatives from the Student Government Association.
THIS YEAR’S CLAMBQ was held at Gore Place Estate in Waltham. The grounds were transformed to emulate the popular Netflix series, “Stranger Things.” The popular event featured inflatable obstacle courses, games, and plenty of food. M
A ‘STARRY NIGHT’ AT THE EYE BALL
STUDENTS, FACULTY, AND STAFF from the School of Optometry and their guests gathered at Union Station in Worcester for this year’s Eye Ball. The event, hosted by the American Optometric Student Association, is an award ceremony recognizing academic and clinical excellence. It also featured dinner, dancing, and decor matching the “Starry Night” theme. M
A THROWBACK-THEMED CELEBRATION
THE MANCHESTER, NH campus celebrated its Community leaders at the Y2K Semi-Formal. The event featured neon décor from the early 2000s and on-theme photo booth props. Student leaders received awards for their service, innovation, and dedication to the MCPHS Community. Then, guests enjoyed dinner and dancing. M
The semi-formal blended elegance and turn-of-the-century glam.
School of Optometry students looking their best at the Eye Ball.
DENTAL HYGIENE STUDENTS VOLUNTEER TO GIVE KIDS A SMILE
STUDENTS PROVIDED free oral care to students from the Mission Grammar School in Boston as part of the national Give Kids a Smile event. The initiative was created by the American Dental Association and aims to expand access to dental care for underserved populations. This is the eighth year MCPHS has participated. Students performed screenings, took X-rays, provided fluoride treatments, and more. M
Students painted messages such as, “You matter” and “Believe” on the rocks.
Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene students provided free care to 53 local children.
EARTH DAY CELEBRATION
STUDENTS ON THE MANCHESTER, NH campus marked Earth Day with plant potting and affirmation rock painting in the Brant Hub. Hosted by the Student Government Association, the event encouraged sustainability and connection as students planted lettuce, peas, and parsley. M
CELEBRATING MCPHS EMPLOYEES
UNIVERSITY FACULTY AND STAFF gathered on May 22 at the Boston Marriott Newton for the annual Employee Appreciation Event. Hosted by Human Resources, MCPHS employees connected with colleagues, shared memories, and celebrated accomplishments from the past year. The University awarded four Presidential Achievement Awards. Employees celebrating milestones between 5 and 35 years of service were also honored. This year’s event featured a new presentation, recognizing employees who are MCPHS alumni, both before and after returning to the University as faculty or staff. M
86 TH ANNUAL REED CONFERENCE FOR PHARMACY
PHARMACISTS FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY gathered on March 5 at Gillette Stadium as MCPHS hosted the Reed Conference. The event, which honors Howard L. Reed’s service to the University, featured presentations on the future of pharmacy and artificial intelligence, continuous glucose monitoring, menopausal care, and regulatory updates. University Advancement also hosted a special reception for alumni to connect with faculty and MCPHS leaders. M
COMMENCEMENT CELEBRATES THE CLASS OF 2026
THE UNIVERSITY held spring Commencement exercises at the Leader Bank Pavilion in Boston on May 7 as 1,500 graduates received their degrees. The two ceremonies featured prominent alumni speakers. PillPack founder Timothy J. Parker, PharmD ‘12, addressed the morning ceremony and Pfizer executive Megan Brown, PharmD ’12, spoke in the afternoon. “Your setbacks can become your strength, if you learn to reframe them,” Brown told graduates. The ceremonies also featured student speakers Emilie Imbeault, PharmD ’26, and Colin Nguyen, MPAS ’26. M
MCPHS AT THE YANKEE DENTAL CONGRESS IN BOSTON
GATHERING IN THE SUNSHINE STATE
DOZENS OF MCPHS ALUMNI gathered in Florida to connect with old and new friends. These receptions were held on each coast this February, one in Naples and one in Delray Beach. Attendees included a trustee, three corporators, and two members of the Class of 1956 who hadn’t seen each other for many years. The Advancement Office looks forward to hosting more intimate gatherings like these across the country to spend quality time with alumni. M
ALUMNI REUNITE IN MANCHESTER, NH
CHIEF ADVANCEMENT OFFICER
SUE GORMAN welcomed alumni back to the Manchester, NH campus for a get-together this February. The evening was a cozy gathering of about 25 people by the fireplace in the Brant Hub. Alumni gathered to take pictures, share laughs, swap stories, and reconnect with professors, deans, and old classmates. M
MORE THAN 250 alumni and friends of the Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene stopped by the University’s booth during the Yankee Dental Congress in January. Faculty, prospective students, and employers all visited. A special wine and cheese reception was also hosted during the event for alumni to reconnect with faculty and staff. M
