William James College Celebrates 50 Years of Impact

On May 8, 2025, more than 200 guests gathered at the Four Seasons Hotel Boston to mark William James College’s 50th anniversary. The evening offered a joyful reflection on five decades of advancing mental health and an inspiring look toward the College’s future. The celebration was emceed by Ted Wayman of WCVB Channel 5, who guided the evening with energy and warmth.

Thanks to the generosity of our community, the gala raised $340,000 in support of the Behavioral Health Service Corps, helping prepare the next generation of behavioral health leaders to serve communities most in need.

The celebration brought together students, trustees, donors, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends whose dedication continues to shape our legacy and amplify our impact. Guests enjoyed inspiring remarks, meaningful connections, and a shared sense of pride in how far William James College has come since its founding in 1974 as the Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology.

A highlight of the evening was the recognition of our distinguished honorees, whose contributions to leadership, justice, and advocacy in mental health reflect the values of William James College:

• Paul English, visionary entrepreneur and philanthropist, honored for his steadfast advocacy of mental health initiatives and his founding of the Bipolar Social Club, which reduces stigma, creates community, and fosters open dialogue around mental health.
• The Honorable Margot Botsford, retired Associate Justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, recognized for her deep commitment to the intersection of mental health and the legal system, ensuring equitable treatment and support for individuals with mental health challenges.
• The Ruderman Family Foundation, celebrated for its leadership in disability inclusion and its instrumental role in advancing mental health awareness and policy reform, advocating for systemic change that promotes dignity, inclusion, and accessibility.

Board Chair Ann Carter, who co-chaired the event committee, shared, “The success of this year’s anniversary gala was evident not only in the outstanding program and record attendance, but most importantly in the strong show of support for WJC’s incredible faculty and students—past and present—who have devoted their careers to serving those experiencing the pain of mental health challenges. I am so proud to be associated with, and to support, such a deeply meaningful institution of higher learning.”

We extend our deepest gratitude to the Fischman and Karp Families/New England Development for their extraordinary support, as well as to all of our generous sponsors, whose commitment made this milestone event possible. Most importantly, we thank every member of the William James College community for being part of this remarkable journey.

As we look ahead to the next 50 years, we remain committed to educating and training a diverse, compassionate, and skilled workforce to meet the growing behavioral health needs of our communities. Together, we will continue to expand our impact and build a healthier future.

• Tags:
• In the Community