Ken Frazier, chairman of General Catalyst’s Health Assurance initiatives and former president, CEO, and executive chairman of Merck, will deliver the commencement address to the Tufts University Class of 2026 on Sunday, May 17.
Frazier will speak at the Class of 2026 all-university ceremony, which will also be streamed via the Tufts Commencement website.
Under Frazier’s leadership, Merck delivered innovative lifesaving medicines and vaccines. He substantially increased Merck’s investment in research including early research while refocusing the organization on the launch and growth of key products that provide far-reaching benefits to society.
Currently, Frazier guides strategy for General Catalyst’s Health Assurance initiatives, focusing on collaborative partnerships with health care companies and the pharmaceutical industry and investments in these areas, while providing mentorship to founders who are building companies positioned to transform the health-care industry through collaborative innovation. At General Catalyst, Frazier harnesses his deep passion for health equity, workforce transformation, and responsible innovation, partnering with General Catalyst to continue to drive necessary positive change and leadership in the industry and beyond.
Throughout his career, Frazier has committed himself to organizations dedicated to leading social change and equity. He serves on the boards of numerous organizations and holds several chairmanships, including as co-founder and co-chair of OneTen, a coalition of leading organizations committed to upskilling, hiring, and promoting people without four-year degrees into family-sustaining jobs.
He has received numerous awards, including the Penn State Alumni Fellow Award, the Association of Corporate Counsel’s Excellence in Corporate Practice Award, and the Equal Justice Initiative’s Equal Justice Champion Award.
