Verghese narrates an American tale at Commencement

Drawing from profound personal experiences, Abraham Verghese emphasized the crucial contributions of immigrants to the fabric of the nation during Harvard’s 374th Commencement held at Tercentenary Theatre.

Originating from Ethiopia to expatriate educators from India, Verghese, a physician and novelist, initiated his medical education in Addis Ababa but was forced to pause his studies as the nation plunged into civil unrest in 1974. After finalizing his medical training at Madras Medical College in India, he settled in Johnson City, Tennessee, as an infectious disease expert during the early stages of the AIDS crisis in the mid-1980s.

Teaching at Stanford, Verghese was the key speaker at Commencement, which took place as a federal judge in Boston issued a temporary restraining order preventing the Trump administration from terminating Harvard’s capacity to accommodate international students and scholars. This matter and others from the government weighed upon Verghese’s thoughts as he ardently defended immigrants and international students residing, studying, and working in the U.S.

“When lawful immigrants and others present in this nation, including many international students, dread the possibility of unjust detention and even deportation, perhaps it is fitting that you hear from an immigrant like me,” he stated.

He directly addressed the contributions of foreign-trained physicians at hospitals nationwide.

“We were brought here because American medical schools fail to produce enough doctors to meet the nation’s demand,” explained Verghese, who dedicated two initial years of his career at what is now Boston Medical Center. “Over a quarter of the physicians in this country are graduates of foreign medical schools, many of whom ultimately settle in locations that others might view as less appealing.”

“A part of what renders America exceptional, if I may borrow the term, is that it affords an immigrant like me the opportunity to thrive here, just as countless generations of other immigrants and their descendants have prospered and made contributions across various fields, working to maintain America’s greatness.”

Referencing his experience as a graduate of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop — with novels such as “Cutting for Stone,” “My Own Country,” and “The Covenant of Water” — Verghese acknowledged America for enriching his life as a writer. He cited the author E.L. Doctorow: “It is the immigrant waves who keep this nation alive, streaming in year after year. Who believes in America more than those who sprint down the gangplank and kiss the earth?”

He also commended Harvard President Alan Garber for opposing the Trump administration’s requests for viewpoint audits and similar measures, even as severe budget cuts threaten the University’s capacity to fulfill its research mission. Harvard merits support and accolades, he asserted, for “upholding and boldly defending the fundamental values of this university, and indeed of this nation.”

In concluding his address, Verghese shared several pieces of counsel with the Class of 2025. Firstly, he encouraged students to engage with fiction, as novels provide “significant insights about existence” and can broaden a reader’s appreciation for unfamiliar lives and situations. He noted that his desire to become a doctor was partly inspired by reading W. Somerset Maugham’s “Of Human Bondage.”

“If you don’t immerse yourself in fiction,” Verghese remarked, “my professional medical opinion is that a portion of your brain responsible for creative imagination will stagnate.”

Verghese also highlighted the significance of integrity and bravery: “Graduates, the choices you will make in the future under duress will reflect your character while simultaneously shaping and changing you in unforeseen manners. Make your choices worthy of those who supported, cared for, and sacrificed for you: your parents, your partners, your family, and your ancestors. Make your choices worthy of this prestigious institution and the challenges it must face going forward as it strives to preserve the value of your achievements here.”

Finally, drawing from lessons acquired while caring for AIDS patients in Tennessee during the mid-1980s, Verghese urged students to treasure the invaluable gift of time. Witnessing men in their 30s and 40s confronting mortality was heartbreaking, he stated, but he found solace in knowing that many of them, in their final moments, treasured the presence of family.

“They discovered that meaning at the conclusion of a brief life did not lie in fame, influence, status, wealth, or appearance,” he stated. “Instead, they recognized that meaning in their lives ultimately resided in the successful relationships they cultivated over a lifetime, particularly with family.”

Verghese shared with the audience a letter he had recited many times before. In it, a young man succumbing to AIDS reassures his mother that, having fulfilled numerous dreams, he holds no regrets and is thankful that his illness afforded him the chance to slow down and spend precious moments with his family.

“I’ve experienced a life abundant with adventures and travels, and I cherished every second of it. However, I likely would never have paused long enough to truly appreciate all of you without my illness. That’s the silver lining in this very dark cloud …

“If anyone ever inquires whether I entered heaven, tell them this: I just came from there. No location could possibly be as wonderful as where I’ve spent these last 30 years. I’ll miss it. I’ll miss you, mother. I’m so thankful we made the most of this time to reconnect.”

After reading the final lines, Verghese encouraged students, “Value this remarkable day. And above all, make the most of your time.”