Chicago physician, public health advocate receives UIC alumni award
Linda Rae Murray (click on image for larger size)
University of Illinois at Chicago alumna Linda Rae Murray has received the 2013 University of Illinois Distinguished Service Award for her contributions to the institution, Chicago and the world.
Murray, chief medical officer for the Cook County Department of Public Health/Cook County Health and Hospital System in Forest Park, Ill., was honored at the University of Illinois Alumni Association’s annual Alumni Five dinner and awards ceremony on Oct. 11.
A resident of Chicago’s South Side, Murray was recognized for her contributions of advocacy and volunteer service to the UIC College of Medicine and the UIC Urban Health Program, which helps recruit, retain and graduate underrepresented racial/ethnic minority students in health-care professions. She is credited with helping to arrange for academic support services and developing a cooperative learning model that has helped numerous students succeed.
“This year’s honorees reflect all that is great about UIC,” Alumni Association President and CEO Loren R. Taylor told the audience of 250. “Their stories inspire all of us and enhance the proud legacy of the University of Illinois.”
Murray earned a bachelor’s degree in 1973, a doctor of medicine in 1977 and a master’s in public health in 1980, all from UIC. She is currently an adjunct assistant professor in the UIC School of Public Health.
The UI Alumni Association is a not-for-profit, 501(c)3 organization for nearly 700,000 alumni throughout the world who attended the University of Illinois, with campuses in Chicago, Springfield and Urbana-Champaign.
UIC ranks among the nation’s leading research universities and is Chicago’s largest university with 27,500 students, 12,000 faculty and staff, 15 colleges and the state’s major public medical center. A hallmark of the campus is the Great Cities Commitment, through which UIC faculty, students and staff engage with community, corporate, foundation and government partners to improve the quality of life in metropolitan areas around the world.
