The President's Newsletter—July 2023

PRESID E N T ’ S N E W S LETTER Our Story

CELEBRATING THE PAST WITH A BOLD VISION FOR THE FUTURE

DEAR MCPHS COMMUNITY,

As we celebrate this, our Bicentennial year, we continue to reflect on our rich history and gain inspiration as we implement our vision for the future. Our founders were passionate and determined to disrupt the archaic healthcare system of that time. Their challenges were great, but their opportunities were even greater. Over these past two centuries, an unwavering determination to create a future full of hope and promise for those we serve has formed the foundation of who we are today.

Higher education continues to move through a disruptive period. The challenges have never been greater, yet opportunities continue to abound. The culture that we have established at MCPHS, one that is grounded in the basic principles of compassion, respect, inclusion, and support, has brought our Community together and cleared the path for us to proudly implement our Strategic Plan

We are currently immersed in a transformative period at our University, with our potential becoming increasingly clear and our steadfast position as a global leader in healthcare education evident. Our commitment to academic excellence and strategic programmatic growth continues to help us attract world-class partnerships as evidenced by our most recent collaborations and leadership position in the burgeoning life sciences field.

The following pages provide another glimpse into the uplifting stories and innovation that surround us each day. Our faculty, students, staff, and alumni are galvanized around our Core Values as they forge ahead, pursuing their passion to make the world a healthier, more equitable place.

Thank you, as always, for taking a few moments to reflect on “Our Story,” particularly during our Bicentennial year, as we advance our purpose of leading with vision, educating with passion, and serving with care. M

CELEBRATING THE PAST with a BOLD VISION FOR THE FUTURE

At Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS), a powerful vision of a healthier, more equitable world inspires Community members’ current work, motivating students, faculty, staff, and alumni to serve patients and affect change. It’s a vision consistent with that of the institution’s founders, a group of apothecaries who sought to improve the quality of medicines for the public 200 years ago by creating standard practices and training for the burgeoning pharmaceutical profession.

The University has evolved since it was founded in 1823 and is now an established leader in health and life sciences education, a vibrant place where innovation continues to thrive. In this Bicentennial issue of the President’s Newsletter, learn about important stories from the past while considering how they inform the present. Explore what’s on the horizon for MCPHS with updates on new programming, global partnerships, and more. To get started, meet some future healthcare leaders—students who are pushing boundaries, learning from one another, and striving to help patients, communities, and society.

Eva Nazariega, BSN ‘23, came to MCPHS from the West Coast. She holds a bachelor’s degree in animal science and worked as a veterinary assistant for several years before deciding to make a career shift, which eventually brought her to MCPHS. Nazariega and her fiancé are enrolled in the accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in Manchester, NH. She expects to graduate in December and plans to return to Oregon and

President Richard J. Lessard

work in pediatric nursing, following a passion she discovered during her clinical rotations. “I feel like it’s similar to working with animals—the way that you talk to kids, the way that you care for them, being a voice and an advocate for them. It’s just more fun,” Nazariega said. A first-generation Mexican American college graduate, she wants to continue acting as a role model for her younger sister and making her family proud while helping patients.

Sangita Pudasaini, BS ‘23, worked as a civil engineer in her native Nepal before emigrating to Canada, where she lived with her husband until she began thinking about a new career path. Her

Kenny Pham, PharmD ’25, has had an interest in pharmacy since he was a child helping to translate medical information into Vietnamese for his grandmother. He spent seven years working as a pharmacy technician, and then his boss, an MCPHS alum, encouraged him to pursue further education. At MCPHS in Worcester, he quickly became immersed in the Community, serving as president of the APhA Academy of Student Pharmacists and community outreach coordinator for the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. He is most passionate about oncology, a discipline that is personally significant, as his grandfather passed away in 2020 of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Now Pham works at UMass Medical Center and at Massachusetts General Hospital, where he compounds IV medications for patients undergoing chemotherapy for cancers, including ALL. He is also conducting research on nanoparticle drug delivery systems for ALL as part of his Pharmaceutical Cancer Research concentration program. “It’s very fulfilling work—helping a vulnerable population, and honestly, it’s a way for me to honor my grandparents,” Pham said.

search led her to MCPHS, where she is now studying to become a diagnostic medical sonographer, specializing in the structure and function of the heart instead of roads and buildings. With no prior experience in healthcare, Pudasaini was nervous about adjusting to a new field and country. After starting her clinical rotations, however, she quickly became enthralled by the way her work allows her to observe the human heart inside the body. “While in class, we always scanned each other, so we never saw diseased hearts. But now, every day, we see people with different conditions, and it’s interesting—and moving,” Pudasaini said. Now living near the Worcester campus, she aims to become a trusted colleague and compassionate sonographer while raising her 5-year-old daughter.

Angela Devietro, BS ‘23 studied Medical and Molecular Biology at MCPHS, graduating in May after completing internships at Boston Children’s Hospital and Mass Eye and Ear, serving as a peer tutor, and volunteering as a concert photographer, among other accomplishments. Her mother, a medical technologist, was treated for type I diabetes while Devietro was growing up, spurring her interest in healthcare. At MCPHS, Devietro conducted a case study on diabetes for an honors program, which involved running tests on DNA collected from her family members. “I got to have my whole family involved and they would always ask questions. So I got to explain the science behind it to them, and it was really cool. And it helped me to understand it more,” she said. She also interacts with patients in her current position as a phlebotomist at Mass Eye and Ear. Her goal is to attend medical school with a research focus and ultimately continue to live and work in Boston. M

LEARNING TO GROW

AS HEALTHCARE GREW increasingly complex and collaborative in the second half of the 20th century, the school embraced sustainable expansion and diversification of people, programs, and opportunities within the health and life sciences fields. A name change to Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in 1999 marked the beginning of a remarkable period of growth as the institution evolved into a world-class University. Notable milestones during this period include:

1999 Academic Affairs is reorganized according to a strategic plan, and new units and schools are created, including the School of Arts and Sciences. The same year, MCPHS also purchases and begins to renovate the vacant Albert Spencer Lowell building in Worcester near two medical centers.

2000 First building of the Worcester campus opens at 19 Foster Street, housing an auditorium, classrooms, labs, a library, computer lab, student lounge, and study space.

2002 MCPHS expands to Manchester, NH, when the University assumes responsibility for Notre Dame College’s Physician Assistant Studies Program upon its closing. MCPHS also acquires the Forsyth School for Dental Hygiene, which was founded in the early 1900s.

2003 New building at 1260 Elm Street opens to students in Manchester.

2005 Living and Learning Center—later renamed for Thomas Henry Borysek—opens in Worcester. It includes admin and faculty offices, classrooms, a tech center, patient assessment and simulation labs, and six floors of suite-style housing.

2007 School of Nursing, School of Physician Assistant Studies, and School of Radiologic Sciences (later renamed the School of Medical Imaging and Therapeutics) are established, building on many years of University programming in these fields. Construction also begins on the sixstory Richard E. Griffin Academic Center on Huntington Avenue in Boston, which will significantly increase the University’s footprint.

2008 Purchase and renovation of 40 Foster Street in Worcester to include smart classrooms, an auditorium, and a street-level lab with a model pharmacy.

2011 School of Physical Therapy is developed on the MCPHS Worcester campus.

2012 School of Optometry is founded on the MCPHS Worcester campus, with classes beginning in state-of-the-art teaching facilities with cutting-edge equipment. The campus features the Eye and Vision Center and 10 Optical retail store, which serve the local community.

2015 MCPHS acquires the New England School of Acupuncture, a leader in acupuncture education and the oldest school of acupuncture in the United States.

2017 Brant Hub formally dedicated in Manchester, expanding the footprint of MCPHS in the city.

2018 School of Professional Studies founded to help MCPHS bring its vast educational offerings to adult learners and working professionals. The University establishes the School of Healthcare Business (now the School of Healthcare Business and Technology) the same year, with programs designed to empower leaders across the healthcare field.

2019 Occupational therapy education moves under a new School of Occupational Therapy.

Peeking into the past. The building pictured was named for Dean Howard C. Newton during a ceremony in 1962, when a time capsule was placed in its cornerstone. It was demolished in 1993 to make way for the John Richard Fennell Building and the Theodore L. Iorio Research Center as the University kicked off a period of rapid expansion. The time capsule was removed before the building was demolished and presented at a Century Club reception.

THOUSANDS OF REMARKABLE individuals have learned, taught, and innovated at MCPHS over its 200-year history. Collectively, they have had a significant impact on the health and well-being of countless communities and organizations across the country and around the world. Here are just a few of their stories.

SUPPORTING THE HOME FRONT

For some families, the connection to MCPHS runs deep. In the 1940s, two sisters, Louise Evitts and Margaret Wilson, graduated two years apart at the height of World War II, when pharmacists were in short supply on the home front. Later, Margaret married Edwin Wilson, who taught as a professor at MCPHS. Louise’s son, Frank Evitts, also graduated from the University and has memories of growing up in the South Peabody pharmacy run by his father. “I went into it because I grew up with it—it was all I knew since I was barely tall enough to reach the cash register,” he said. While the pharmacy was sold in 1993, the family tradition continued, with Frank’s wife, Ellen, becoming a pharmacy tech and working at Walgreens for 10 years until her eventual retirement. M

A PLACE IN HISTORY

June O. Elam-Mooers, ’52, was born in Pennsylvania, but her family was destined to become a part of another state’s history. One of seven siblings, she moved along with her family to Massachusetts when her parents decided they wanted their children to be educated in an integrated school. Elam-Mooers studied dental hygiene at MCPHS Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene and graduated in 1951. Afterward, she and her husband became one of the first Black families to settle in Milton, Massachusetts. There, they often welcomed Deval Patrick, who would go on to become the 71st governor of Massachusetts, into their home. Her daughter, Lovie Elam, served as a Democratic Convention delegate. Elam-Mooers remains closely connected with the MCPHS Community and attended the 2023 Black Excellence Dinner (see page 9) hosted by the Black Student Union. M

DECADES OF SERVICE

After an astonishing 46 years at MCPHS, Associate Professor of Chemistry Charles “Chuck” Kelley, PhD, has announced that he will retire next year. Dr. Kelley earned his PhD at Indiana University and started at MCPHS in 1977. During his time at the University, he has taught chemistry to more than 10,000 students, according to an informal calculation. “Dr. Kelley has made numerous contributions to the field of chemistry, but what has set him apart has been his unwavering dedication to his students. We will always be grateful for the time we had with him,” said Delia Anderson, PhD, Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences. Dr. Kelley was honored for his dedication with a Service Award during Employee Appreciation Day this year. M

IN THE ATRIUM OF THE Matricaria Academic and Student Center, past meets present. For nearly 87 years, the brick façade and pillars of the George R.White Building marked the front door of the University. In the early 2000s, Matricaria was built around White to preserve the iconic exterior of the original building. Today, the glass atrium joins new and old structures to honor the history of MCPHS and its commitment to meeting the needs of future healthcare leaders.

CELEBRATING THE CLASS OF 2023

ON MAY 11, MCPHS held its largest Commencement exercises of its Bicentennial year, as more than 1,800 individuals earned degrees or graduate certificates. The exercises were held at the DCU Center in Worcester and were divided into two sessions to accommodate the thousands of family members, friends, as well as MCPHS students, staff, faculty, and alumni who celebrated the occasion.

Each session featured one student and one alumni speaker: Sarah Das, PharmD ’23, and Michael Ku, PharmD ’96, spoke in the morning; and Ellie Solitro, PharmD ’23, and Jideobi Ezeonu , MBA ’20, MSOT ’18, spoke in the afternoon.

“You are joining a profession that is not just a job but a calling to help others and make a difference in the world,” Solitro said.

The graduates represent more than 60 different programs across the University. Speakers encouraged the graduates to use their training to have an impact on their fields.

“There is greatness in you because you have dedicated yourselves to a career of caring,” said Dr. Ku, Vice President of Global Clinical Supply at Pfizer. “With your education and experience, I know you are kind, compassionate, and empathetic because you have devoted yourself to delivering hope for others.”

RECOGNIZING FACULTY ACHIEVEMENTS

OUR DISTINGUISHED FACULTY are committed to furthering the University’s mission. Their contributions through research, scholarship, and leadership—in addition to teaching—are essential to the success of MCPHS. Congratulations to the following faculty members who have received administrative appointments, been promoted in rank, and earned awards for their hard work.

ADMINISTRATIVE APPOINTMENTS

Robert DiCenzo, PharmD, BCPS, FCCP, FAPhA

Associate Provost for Pharmacy Education

Dr. DiCenzo has taken on this additional role to enhance collaboration and communication between the School of Pharmacy – Boston and the School of Pharmacy – Worcester/ Manchester. As Associate Provost for Pharmacy Education, Dr. DiCenzo will facilitate strategic initiatives to benefit both schools, including the Leadership in Pharmacy Education (LiPhE) Institute, which supports the professional development of all School of Pharmacy students and alumni. Dr. DiCenzo takes on this new role while serving as the Dean of the School of Pharmacy – Boston. M

FACULTY PROMOTIONS

FROM ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR TO FULL PROFESSOR

SCHOOL OF PHARMACY – BOSTON

Frederick Frankhauser, JD, MBA, RPh

Rania Mekary, PhD, MSc

FORSYTH SCHOOL OF DENTAL HYGIENE

Lori Giblin-Scanlon, RDH, MS, DHSc

SCHOOL OF PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT STUDIES – BOSTON

Afsoon Moktar, PhD, EMBA, CT (ASCP)

SCHOOL OF PHARMACY – WORCESTER/ MANCHESTER

Donna Bartlett, PharmD, BCGP, RPh

FROM ASSISTANT PROFESSOR TO ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR

SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

Carly Levy, DHS, MPH, CPH

Lindsay Tallon, PhD, MSPH, CPH

Jennifer Wade, PhD

FORSYTH SCHOOL OF DENTAL HYGIENE

Yuri (Uhlee) Oh, DHSc, RDH

Paul Belliveau, PharmD

Dean for the School of Pharmacy – Worcester/ Manchester

Dr. Belliveau has served for 15 years in administrative positions at MCPHS. Before he was appointed permanent Dean this spring, he had served as Associate Dean, Assistant Dean, and Pharmacy Practice Department Chair for the School of Pharmacy –Worcester/Manchester. M

LIBRARY AND LEARNING RESOURCES

Shanti Freundlich, MLIS

SCHOOL OF NURSING

Carlene Blais, DNP, RN-PEDIBC

Fatma Zohra Mataoui, PhD, MD, RN

SCHOOL OF OPTOMETRY

Mengli Lina Han, OD, MPH, FAAO

SCHOOL OF PHARMACY – BOSTON

Nancy Stern, RPh

SCHOOL OF PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT STUDIES – BOSTON

Kathryn Jones, DSc PAS, MS, PA-C

SCHOOL OF PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT STUDIES – MANCHESTER/WORCESTER

Linda Martino, DScPAS, PA-C, CMPE

FROM INSTRUCTOR TO ASSISTANT PROFESSOR

SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

Nevila Jana, DSc

Anthony Lacina, DHS, MPH, MEd, CHES

AWARDS

More than 40 faculty members were recently honored with awards for teaching and scholarship. For example, Paul Kiritsy, MS, PharmD, RPh, Anand Sridhar, PhD, Tewodros Eguale, MD, MS, PhD, and Jennifer Prisco, PharmD, RPh—appearing from left to right in the photo—received a 2023 Faculty Scholarship Showcase Award for their effort to understand if the progression interview result is a major predictor of PharmD student outcomes. Kathy Grams, BSP, BCGP, Philip Grgurich, PharmD, Gerard D’Souza, PhD, and Brian Train, PhD, also contributed to the effort. Other awards were given for activities and projects ranging from teaching excellence to faculty-student research collaboration to original research publications.

HONORING PHARMACY FELLOWSHIP & RESIDENCY GRADUATES

In June, the School of Pharmacy held a ceremony to recognize the individuals who recently completed a postgraduate fellowship or residency through MCPHS. Over the last year, these PharmDs have built skills, knowledge, and experience at world-class organizations.

MCPHS also celebrated the individuals who completed the Biopharmaceutical Industry Fellowship program. This program attracts PharmDs from across the country, giving them the opportunity to train and advance their knowledge at leading biopharma companies such as Biogen, Novartis, and Sanofi.

SHOWING APPRECIATION FOR MCPHS EMPLOYEES

FOR THE FIRST TIME IN FOUR YEARS, MCPHS faculty and staff came together in-person for the annual Employee Appreciation Event. Hundreds of employees gathered at the Boston Marriott Newton Hotel to connect with colleagues, celebrate each other’s achievements, and honor those who reached service milestones this year.

The University also announced the recipients of this year’s Presidential Achievement Awards. These individuals were nominated by their peers to recognize their efforts to fulfill the goals, values, and mission of MCPHS.

Brittany Durning, Director for Campus Life – Boston, received the Collaboration Award; Marthe-Anne Monagle, MS, Academic Coach in the Center for Academic Success and Enrichment, received the Inclusion Award; Shani Salifu, PhD, Senior Course Designer in the School of Professional Studies, received the Innovation Award; and Kevin Lee, Help Desk Technician in Information Services, received the Service Award. M

AN UPDATE ON THE INCLUSIVE CLIMATE ASSESSMENT (ICA) SURVEY

Earlier this year, students, faculty, and staff participated in an Inclusive Climate Assessment (ICA)—the first of its kind for the University. Diversity Science, the external partner for the assessment, is compiling the de-identified data and summarizing the findings, which will inform decisions to advance equity and inclusion across MCPHS. The DEI Team looks forward to sharing the results of the survey with the Community in the fall. M

BLACK EXCELLENCE DINNER BUILDS CONNECTIONS

The Black Student Union at MCPHS – Boston hosted its second Black Excellence Dinner in March. Dozens of students, faculty, staff, and alumni gathered to network and connect. The event was created in 2020 as an opportunity for students to get advice and mentoring from those who came before them. This year, attendees had an opportunity to engage with a panel featuring Prince Nnah, Doctor of Pharmacology/Pharmacy ’05, Chrylann Barrett, MPH ’21, BSN ’18, and Board of Trustees member Michael Searvance, BSP ’83. Organizers are proud to be able to host this event once again and are committed to making it an annual tradition at MCPHS. M

Clara Reynolds (above), Chief Inclusion Officer, and Henriette Pranger (below), Associate Provost for Institutional Research and Effectiveness, co-lead Strategic Priority 6—Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion—under the MCPHS Strategic Plan.

THE FUTURE IS OURS TO SHAPE

AS MCPHS CELEBRATES its rich history and vibrant Community during this Bicentennial season, University leaders are also taking steps to ensure the institution’s continued success. Developments in the healthcare marketplace—including technological innovations as well

MCPHS. It outlines Strategic Priorities— ranging from Student Success to Infrastructure and Technology to Environmental Sustainability—that position the University to maintain its status as a leader in higher education. Committees are making progress on each priority. For example, the

students harness the latest innovations and prepare them for the changing needs of organizations. For example, programming in the areas of data science and analytics—especially as they relate to drug development—is being launched.

MCPHS is also forming new collaborations to augment its capabilities and extend its reach in New England and across the globe. Recently announced partnerships with the School of Pharmacy at Paris Cité University and the Korean Evaluation Institute of Industrial Technology (KEIT) are raising the profile of MCPHS as the University continues to attract students from around the world.

as a major infusion of funding into biotechnology and biopharmaceuticals during the pandemic—present exciting opportunities for MCPHS and its students. The University is monitoring changes and adjusting its strategy and programming accordingly to seize new opportunities.

A robust Strategic Plan—developed in collaboration with Community members from all corners of the University as well as outside experts— guides the continued evolution of

Environmental Sustainability Committee recently completed a baseline assessment and developed a roadmap for its future work. And the University Identity Committee completed a survey of prospective first-year students, gleaning insights on the awareness of and familiarity with MCPHS as well as the key attributes and influences for considering an application.

Our newly renamed School of Healthcare Business and Technology is expanding its programming to help

BIOVERSITY COLLABORATION

The Centers for Excellence also play a major role in driving the reputation of MCPHS by promoting dialogue and scholarship on important topics such as interprofessional practice and education (IPE) and life sciences education. Alumni with an interest in one or more of these topics increasingly contribute to the success of the centers, which convene conversations with thought leaders, coordinate strategic initiatives, and more. MCPHS will continue to engage talented, passionate Community members to shape its future endeavors. M

MCPHS is the first institution of higher learning chosen by the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council (MassBio) to bring Bioversity—a life sciences workforce development initiative—to life. Through this initiative, MassBio is opening a 4,000-square-foot lab training center in Dorchester at the old Boston Globe headquarters. Based in an underserved community, the center—which is expected to open in early 2024—will provide an on-ramp to well-paid, entry-level jobs in scientific operations, biomanufacturing, and other areas. MCPHS is designing the curriculum for the first cohort of trainees. “It has been a professional pleasure to partner with MCPHS on MassBio’s launch of Bioversity,” said Kendalle Burlin O’Connell, CEO and President of MassBIo. “It is imperative that life sciences companies collaborate with academic institutions like MCPHS to ensure our local industry has the skilled talent to grow and thrive here.”

MCPHS continues to expand its programming in response to changes in the healthcare marketplace.

STEM PROGRAMS

Employment in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields is rapidly growing in the United States and around the world. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 10 million people held STEM jobs in 2021, accounting for approximately 6 percent of the U.S. workforce. The government predicts that this will increase to nearly 11 million people by 2031. But organizations will need to find qualified candidates for the new positions. Graduates in STEM fields are in short supply—domestically and globally. MCPHS offers a variety of programs that provide a springboard to STEM professions, including many that meet criteria established by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for STEM designation. Students in the United States on F-1 visas who earn a degree with a STEM designation may qualify for an extension of their post-completion optional practical training (OPT).

KEEPING UP WITH ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

A new Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Teaching & Learning Task Force will examine developments in AI systems and their potential impact on academics. The group will then make recommendations regarding training and resources for faculty, updating student syllabi and the Academic Honesty Policy, and whether or how AI should be incorporated into courses and student learning. The Task Force is working now and plans to start delivering their findings to the Community in the fall.

INTRODUCING THE CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTER

The University is proud to announce the creation of the Career Development Center to support positive career outcomes for our students. This new center will be dedicated to building relationships with employers, assisting students with internship and job placements, and overseeing the professional development of students across all three campuses. MCPHS is currently in the process of finding an executive director to lead the center. M

MEDICAL & DENTAL SCHOOL ACCEPTANCES

MCPHS takes great pride in nurturing students to be lifelong learners. Congratulations to the following individuals who have been accepted to medical school or dental school.

MEDICAL SCHOOL ACCEPTANCES

Victoria Abalyan ’21

Sarah Dubois ‘19

Molly Geraghty ’19

Hedieh Ragati Haghi ’21

Andre Khalil ’21

Naya Pabla ’22

Bhamini Shah ’20

Johnathan Tran ’20

Ross Warner ’11

DENTAL SCHOOL ACCEPTANCES

Lin Akil ’19

Abdelrahman Elhashash ‘23, ‘21

Jenevieve Gavazzi ’21

Jisang Lee ’20

Nelson Martinez ’18

Ayana Patel ’22

Shivani Patel ’21

Robert Han Tang ’17

Kimyuen Thai ’22

Many MCPHS programs prepare students for careers in STEM fields, and the University continues to expand its offerings.

A ll Class Reunion& BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

DINNER STATIONS | COCKTAILS | DANCING SCHOOL, CLASS, AND CLUB RECEPTIONS

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2023

Fairmont Copley Plaza

For more information, including who’s coming, hotel accommodations, and parking: Visit mcphs.edu/reunion2023