President Valerie Smith's Charge to Josh Green '92

Josh Green, also a member of the Swarthmore Class of 1992, has been serving the public interest for over 20 years as an emergency room physician and elected official in Hawaii, where he is currently Lieutenant Governor.

Josh began his life’s work as a family and emergency room physician in rural hospitals and clinics where he immersed himself in Hawaii’s rich culture and people. Additionally, he witnessed firsthand the lack of healthcare resources in those areas, which was his inspiration to begin his local political career and bring a voice to underserved communities.

After serving for four years in  the Hawaii State House of Representatives and for 10 in the State Senate,  Josh was elected lieutenant governor in 2018.

 Josh was named “Hawaii Physician of the Year” in 2009 and “Hawaii Legislator of the Year” in 2013. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Green was named the state’s COVID-19 liaison and has since been a leader in helping curb the spread of coronavirus in Hawaii. 

Josh’s work to provide healthcare access in underserved communities as well as his public service exemplify a commitment to the common good.

And now, Josh, upon the recommendation of the faculty, and by the power vested in me by the Board of Managers of Swarthmore College and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, I have the honor to bestow upon you the degree of Doctor of Science.