Donato J. Tramuto, renowned health care and social justice activist, philanthropist, and author will deliver the commencement address at Regis College’s Class of 2022 Commencement Exercises on Saturday, May 7.
Founder and chairman of the TramutoPorter Foundation and Health eVillages, Tramuto will also receive an honorary degree in recognition of his commitment to cutting-edge approaches to health care access for marginalized people.
“I’m honored to address the graduating students from Regis, a university partner with values that align with my own passions for a more compassionate and kinder world,” said Tramuto.
The university will also bestow honorary degrees on Geeta Aiyer, president and founder of Boston Common Asset Management, and John J. Tegan, Jr., former Regis College Board of Trustees chairman, and founder and chairman of Communications Technology Services, LLC.
Tramuto is widely recognized for his commitment to social change and transformational leadership in health care innovation, leading The New York Times to deem him “a global health activist.” Reflecting on the conviction that universal health care is a basic human right, he launched Health eVillages in 2011, a non-profit organization that provides state-of-the-art mobile health technology in the most challenging clinical environments and works to broaden health care access. His charity, the TramutoPorter Foundation, advances young people’s rights to education and health care, while also combating human rights violations. He launched the foundation months after 9/11 in honor of his two friends and their three-year-old son who lost their lives when United Flight 175 crashed into the South Tower.
Tramuto’s three-decade commitment to social change and innovation has earned him numerous awards, including the prestigious Robert F. Kennedy Ripple of Hope and the RFK Embracing His Legacy awards, and the PharmaVoice 100 LifeTime Red Jacket Award. He currently serves as a member of the board of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights USA and is chairman of its leadership council. In 2018, his foundation committed to funding a three-year, $1 million grant to address workplace bullying, leading to a national initiative to address workplace dignity and inclusion in the U.S. and Europe. He also serves on numerous health care boards and is an honorary scholar in residence at St. Joseph’s College. A recognized author, he published his first book in 2016 highlighting his own adversity in life and his second book, on compassionate leadership, will be released in the spring.
As president and founder of Boston Common Asset Management, Geeta Aiyer combines more than 30 years of experience in finance with a passion for environmental and social justice. Under her guidance, Boston Common has built a strong investment record and meaningfully improved the policies and practices of portfolio companies through impactful, proactive shareowner engagement. For five consecutive years, Boston Common has been awarded an A+ rating for its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) leadership by the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment (UN PRI), a global network promoting a more sustainable financial system. In addition, the firm has been consistently named among the “Top 100 Women-led Businesses in Massachusetts” by the Boston Globe and The Commonwealth Institute. A certified B-Corp since 2016, Boston Common is a four-time “Best for the World” honoree, placing it among the top-performing B Corps globally.
Among other awards, Aiyer was honored by InvestmentNews as an innovator and by CERES with the Joan Bavaria Award for building sustainability into the capital markets. In 2021, the Boston Business Journal recognized her on its Power 50 Movement Makers list for her diversity advocacy.
A true activist, Aiyer co-founded and is board chair of Direct Action for Women Now (DAWN) Worldwide, a non-profit organization working to end gender-based violence and advance gender equity. Aiyer currently serves on the boards of the Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc. and the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility. She previously served on the boards of the Sierra Club Foundation, UN PRI, and Mount St. Joseph Academy in Boston.
“It is a privilege to be recognized by Regis College,” Aiyer said. “As a grateful beneficiary of Catholic education, it is wonderful to see the opportunity Regis creates for high-quality education. For years, I have collaborated with the Sisters of St. Joseph of Boston in engaging corporations to become more sustainable and inclusive. I am excited to see their unshakeable social justice values continue to thrive at Regis.”
Tegan has been part of the fabric of the Regis College community for decades. Through the generosity of he and his wife, former trustee Lorraine DeStefano Tegan ‘63, Regis has provided access to a high-quality college education for countless students who may not have otherwise had the opportunity. The Lorraine Tegan Learning Commons on Regis’ campus is a hub of academic support and guidance for all students, including the university’s library, academic coaching services, and the Finucane and O'Sullivan Institute for Learning. He and his family’s latest contribution to Regis is the Lorraine’s Leaders program to fund a college preparatory program that support economically disadvantaged students interested in health care and sciences.
As a member of Regis College’s board of trustees for eight years, including five as chair, Tegan helped to steward tremendous growth at the university, including the launch of the online program and the completion of the Maria Hall renovation. He is the founder of Communications Technology Services, which provides custom, carrier-grade, in-building and campus connectivity solutions for enterprises and mobile network operators.
In addition to his numerous philanthropic endeavors, Tegan was a pastoral visitor at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, and a member of the Paulist Center. He will receive an honorary degree for his tireless philanthropic contributions and ardent support of the university.
“This recognition is a pure honor,” Tegan said. “I am overwhelmed and very grateful. Regis has always been there for me and my family, especially after Lorraine passed away. I’m sure she will be smiling down on me when I receive my honorary degree from this institution she loved so much. I am proud to join the class of 2022 and become a lifelong member of this outstanding community.”
At the 92nd commencement ceremony on May 7, Regis expects to graduate more than 1,000 students, awarding degrees from the associate to doctoral levels. The ceremony will take place in the Boston Seaport at the Leader Bank Pavilion.
“Donato, Geeta, and John are exemplary people and selfless leaders who are role models for our students,” said Antoinette M. Hays, PhD, RN, president of Regis College. “I am thrilled they will join in this wonderful day for Regis, as we celebrate our graduates and their families.”
