Vivek Murthy Among Honorees at Dartmouth’s 2026 Commencement Ceremony
Former U.S. Surgeon General to receive honorary degree alongside leaders in arts, science, and public service
HANOVER, N.H. — Vivek Murthy will be among seven distinguished individuals honored with honorary degrees at Dartmouth College’s 2026 Commencement on June 14, recognizing his national leadership in public health and advocacy for mental well-being.
Murthy, who served as the 19th and 21st Surgeon General of the United States, has emerged as a leading voice on some of the country’s most pressing health challenges, including loneliness, youth mental health, and the societal impact of technology. During his tenure, he brought national attention to what he described as an “epidemic of loneliness,” emphasizing the importance of human connection as a cornerstone of overall health.
In 2025, Murthy released his “Parting Prescription for America,” outlining a vision for rebuilding community as a pathway to improved health, happiness, and fulfillment. In addition to his role as Surgeon General, he served as a Vice Admiral in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, leading a force of more than 6,000 public health officers.
Following his government service, Murthy founded The Together Project, a national initiative aimed at strengthening social connection and community engagement. He also continues this work through his podcast and Substack platform, Staying Human, which explores how individuals can lead meaningful lives in an increasingly disconnected world. He is also the author of the bestselling book Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World.
Murthy’s career spans medicine, public service, and thought leadership. He earned his undergraduate degree from Harvard University, followed by an MD and MBA from Yale University, and completed his medical training at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School.
Dartmouth President Sian Leah Beilock praised this year’s honorees, noting that they “have had a tremendous impact in their fields and on the world,” reflecting excellence across disciplines and a commitment to public service and societal progress.
Other honorary degree recipients this year include Commencement speaker Rachel Dratch (Doctor of Arts); playwright and educator Karen Evans (Doctor of Arts); mathematician and computer scientist Maria Klawe (Doctor of Science); philanthropist and public servant Gary Love (Doctor of Humane Letters); free speech advocate Greg Lukianoff (Doctor of Laws); and attorney, diplomat, and philanthropist Alfred Moses (Doctor of Laws).
Together, the honorees represent a wide spectrum of achievement—from the arts and education to diplomacy and public health—with Murthy’s recognition underscoring the growing importance of mental health and human connection in shaping a healthier, more resilient society.
