Dartmouth College Announces 2026 Honorary Degree Recipients
Dartmouth College has unveiled the list of seven distinguished individuals who will receive honorary degrees during the 2026 Commencement ceremony on June 14. The recipients represent a diverse array of leadership in the arts, sciences, public health, diplomacy and philanthropy.
- Commencement Speaker: Rachel Dratch ’88 will serve as the speaker and receive an honorary degree.
- Diverse Fields: Honorands include a former U.S. Surgeon general, a free speech activist, and a computer scientist.
- Selection Process: Candidates are nominated by the community and vetted by the Council on Honorary Degrees before final approval by the president and Board of Trustees.
Meet the 2026 Honorands
This year’s cohort of honorary degree recipients reflects Dartmouth’s commitment to recognizing excellence across multiple disciplines. The seven honorees include:
- Rachel Dratch ’88: A Tony-nominated actor, comedian, and writer who will also deliver the Commencement address.
- Vivek Murthy: Former U.S. Surgeon general.
- Greg Lukianoff: A prominent advocate for free speech.
- Maria Klawe: A distinguished educator, mathematician, and computer scientist.
- Alfred Moses ’51: An attorney, diplomat, and philanthropist.
- Gary Love ’76: A public servant and philanthropist.
- Karen Evans ’76: An educator, arts advocate, and playwright.
A Commitment to Global Impact
President Sian Leah Beilock emphasized that the selected individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields and the wider world. In a statement regarding the selection, Beilock noted:
“These luminaries have had a tremendous impact in their fields and on the world. They represent excellence in the arts and sciences, the importance of diplomacy and public service, the commitment to public health, and the values of free speech and equal access to educational opportunities. It is our great honor to recognize their accomplishments.”
The Selection Process
The process for conferring honorary degrees at Dartmouth is a collaborative effort involving the broader college community. Each fall, members of the Dartmouth community submit nominations for candidates. These nominations are then reviewed by the Council on Honorary Degrees, which forwards a slate of candidates from various fields to the president and the Board of Trustees for final selection.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the 2026 Commencement ceremony?
The ceremony will take place on June 14.
Who is the keynote speaker for 2026?
Rachel Dratch ’88, a Tony-nominated comedian, writer, and actor, is the Commencement speaker.
How are honorary degree recipients chosen?
Recipients are nominated by the Dartmouth community, reviewed by the Council on Honorary Degrees, and finally selected by the president and the Board of Trustees.
Looking Ahead
As Dartmouth prepares for the June 14 celebrations, the inclusion of leaders in public health and free speech underscores the institution’s focus on navigating contemporary global challenges. The 2026 Commencement will serve as both a celebration of student achievement and a recognition of lifelong contributions to the public good.