Mary Duden, MBA, chair of the dean’s advisory council and adjunct professor at the School of Public Health, was awarded the prestigious Drexel University Alumni Association’s Service to the Community Award on Saturday, May 5, 2007.
An alumnus of the Drexel College of Business, Duden was recognized for her more than 30 years of leadership in improving the healthcare and quality of life for at-risk children and families across the Greater Philadelphia Region.
The award was presented by Marla J. Gold, MD, Dean of the School of Public Health, at a formal awards dinner at the Anthony J. Drexel Picture Gallery. The ceremony was one of many activities occurring on campus as part of Alumni Weekend from May 4 – 6, 2007.
Duden recently retired from the Mercy Health Foundation, where she served as the Chief Financial Officer and Vice President since 2002. She previously served as the CFO, Senior Vice President and ex-officio member of the board of directors at the North Philadelphia Health System.
In addition, Duden founded Mercy Circle of Care, a coalition of government, business, community, and healthcare representatives that have united to address problems of the uninsured in west and southwest Philadelphia, as well as Southern Delaware. The organization connects community members to health insurance and medical programs, and provides many other support services. Since its founding in 2002, Mercy Circle of Care has quickly grown to more than 70,000 visits.
Duden is also the founding board chair and CEO of the Mercy Investment Program, a $450 million socially responsible, investment corporation. The program’s Partnership Fund is focused on community economic development and provides low interest loans to developing countries and communities.
Duden also developed the Huey Family Health Center, the first elementary school-based health center in Philadelphia, and has worked directly with city and state Departments of Health to coordinate and integrate ambulatory services for women, children and the mentally ill.
She integrated the Turner Middle School Program – a nationally-recognized health education model for at-risk middle school children.
Duden has created, delivered and published numerous presentations and papers, and, in her role as adjunct professor, she has prepared syllabi for "The Business of Health Care" and "Advanced Financial Management." Duden is also a member of a number of community organization boards and professional organizations.
Drexel SPH thanks Mary Duden for her wonderful service and this remarkable accomplishment.