Health Equity Leader Julie Morita to Deliver Sargent College Virtual Commencement Address

Julie Morita, MD, executive vice president of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), will deliver the 2021 Sargent College virtual commencement address.

As the nation’s largest private philanthropy dedicated solely to improving the nation’s health, RWJF is focused on advancing health equity where everyone in America has a fair and just opportunity to live the healthiest life possible. In her role, Dr. Morita oversees programming, policy, research and communications activities for the foundation. She has served on several federal, state and local COVID19 advisory committees including the Biden Transition COVID-19 Advisory Board. 

Previously, Dr. Morita helped lead the Chicago Department of Public Health for nearly two decades, first as the Immunization Program medical director, then as chief medical officer. In 2015, she was appointed commissioner, where she oversaw the public health needs of 2.7 million residents in the nation’s third largest city. 

Dr. Morita began her medical career as a pediatrician in Tucson, Ariz., before moving into public health as an Epidemic Intelligence Service officer at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.

The BU Sargent College commencement will take place virtually and be available to view beginning Sunday, May 16, 2021. For more information about commencement activities at Boston University, please visit our commencement page.