UMass Medical School's Joyce A. Murphy, MPA, executive vice chancellor of Commonwealth Medicine, will be honored with the John M. Corcoran Award for Excellence at the St. Mary's Center for Women and Children's 15th annual Diamonds of Dorchester event on Oct. 17.
Founded in 1993, St. Mary's Center celebrates 25 years of service and its origins by honoring Murphy with an award named for the founding trustee of the Center, John M. Corcoran. The late real estate developer and philanthropist selected Murphy to work with him in leading the transformation of the former St. Margaret's Hospital to become St. Mary's Center, a multi-faceted health and human services center for at risk families.
“We are thrilled to honor Joyce at the Diamonds of Dorchester event this year, especially during such a special year celebrating St. Mary's 25th anniversary. So many moms and children have called St. Mary's Center home, regained hope, and forged a path to success. For this we are indebted to Joyce Murphy and John Corcoran,” said Deirdre Houtmeyers, president and chief executive officer, St. Mary’s Center for Women and Children.
Following the transition of the former hospital complex to the women and children’s center, Murphy became the first president. Murphy created the Bridge Home, a residential program for children, newborn to 12 years of age who have experienced trauma and abuse in their home.
The center has served more than 10,000 families through its mission to partner with women and children as they gain emotional well-being, educational achievements, and economic independence. The agency has five residential and three education and employment programs.
