Four weeks after becoming Mass General Brigham University of Health Professions, its community gathered in the Navy Yard to launch the new name, a fitting venue where ships have launched for more than 200 years, carried forward by everything built into them. 

An estimated crowd of 300 faculty, staff, and students came to The Anchor on Thursday to celebrate with food, drink, and remarks from President Deborah Jones, who spoke about the University’s history and what the new names represents. 

“So, what does the new name mean? It means our name now reflects more fully who we are — and the role we are ready to play,” Jones told the crowd. “As a university. As a full partner in the Mass General Brigham system. As a place where the future of health and healthcare is being shaped every day.”

Launch Day also included raffle prizes to area business, and merchandise giveaways. On this day, 250 water bottles, nearly 500 stickers, more than 300 long sleeve and short sleeve t-shirts and more than 100 canvas bags were distributed. Check out the day’s festivities in this video.