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USJ alumna Julia Huggins, ’84, senior vice president for the global health service company Cigna, has been named the 2022 Distinguished Humanitarian honoree by Penn-Mar Human Services, a leading provider of services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Huggins received the award at Penn-Mar’s 30th anniversary gala in March. Penn-Mar created their annual Distinguished Humanitarian Award to recognize individuals who believe in the organization and exemplify philanthropic commitment and leadership. Huggins also serves on both Penn-Mar boards and is vice-chair of the Penn-Mar Foundation.
A devoted advocate for the IDD community, Huggins has a deep personal connection with the organization’s mission. She is also a thought leader on health and well-being, and has been an active supporter of such causes as the American Diabetes Association’s Greater Maryland Tour de Cure, the American Heart Association’s CPR in Schools Training, the University of Maryland School of Public Health’s HAIR project, and Shatterproof, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to reversing the addiction crisis in the U.S. Huggins was named one of Baltimore Sun’s “25 Women to Watch” in 2016 and one of Baltimore Magazine’s “Women Who Move Maryland” in 2017 and 2018.
Huggins received her bachelor of Biochemistry degree from USJ, where she also minored in French and Italian and sang in the choir. She interned at Hartford Hospital in the field of medical technology and then worked summers and weekends in the job as a student.
Reflecting on what the award means to her, Huggins said, “I am humbled and honored to receive this year’s Distinguished Humanitarian Award from Penn-Mar Human Services. Their work helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities live their best lives resonates deeply with me, and any impact I have made with the organization is among my proudest accomplishments.”
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