William James College Celebrates 50th Anniversary By Honoring Respected Mental Health Advocates During Mental Health Awareness Month

The Honorable Margot Botsford, Entrepreneur Paul English, and the Ruderman Family Foundation to Receive the College’s Mental Health Humanitarian Award on May 8th.

William James College, an independent, non-profit institution and a leader in educating the next generation of behavioral health professionals,  is celebrating its 50th anniversary and marking Mental Health Awareness Month by honoring a prominent lawyer and jurist, an active and engaged business leader and philanthropist, and a respected foundation recognized for promoting social justice and inclusion.

The Honorable Margot Botsford, former Associate Justice, Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, entrepreneur and activist Paul English, and the Ruderman Family Foundation will receive the  College’s Mental Health Humanitarian Award on May 8th during ceremonies at the Four Seasons Hotel Boston. Ted Wayman, an award-winning member of WCVB-TV’s NewsCenter 5 team, will serve as the event’s emcee.

According to William James College President Dr. Nicholas Covino, the award recognizes individuals and organizations that demonstrate exceptional leadership, philanthropy, and commitment to breaking down barriers to mental health services, foster inclusivity, and drive meaningful change.

“As we celebrate half a century of academic excellence and positive community impact, we will pay tribute to those who embrace our commitment to providing quality mental health services across the Commonwealth,” said Covino. “Though our honorees come from diverse backgrounds, they all share a common goal: to advance mental health awareness, advocate for crucial services, and work tirelessly to remove barriers to care."

About the Honorees:

The Honorable Margot Botsford
Former Associate Justice Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court

A distinguished jurist and champion of justice, Justice Botsford has demonstrated a deep commitment to the intersection of mental health and the legal system, ensuring equitable treatment and support for individuals with mental health challenges.

Paul English
Entrepreneur and Activist

A visionary entrepreneur and philanthropist, English has been a steadfast advocate for mental health initiatives, leveraging his influence and resources to support innovative solutions that expand access to care. Through his founding of the Bipolar Social Club, he has worked to reduce stigma, create community, and foster open conversations about mental health, helping individuals feel seen and supported.

The Ruderman Family Foundation

A leading force in disability inclusion, the foundation has been instrumental in advancing mental health awareness and policy reform, advocating for systemic changes that promote dignity, inclusion, and accessibility.

About William James College

Founded in 1974, William James partners with community agencies and organizations to eliminate barriers to education, improve access to high quality care, create a pathway to careers in behavioral health for students with diverse backgrounds and life experiences, and support the growing and evolving needs of the mental health workforce. 

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