SEAL, doctor, astronaut, Harvard Alumni Day speaker

Jonny Kim, a decorated Navy SEAL, doctor, and astronaut, will address Harvard’s global alumni community at the annual Harvard Alumni Day celebration on June 5. Kim, a Harvard Medical School graduate and a featured speaker for the event, is set to inspire fellow alumni with his remarkable journey from the front lines to the stars.

NASA astronaut Jonny Kim, who spent eight months aboard the International Space Station in 2025 as an Expedition 72/73 flight engineer, will share his experiences conducting scientific experiments and technology demonstrations aimed at improving life on Earth and advancing NASA’s Artemis campaign. The Artemis program seeks to return humans to the moon and lay the foundation for deep-space exploration to more distant destinations such as Mars. During his time in space, Kim logged 245 days, orbiting the Earth 3,920 times and traveling nearly 104 million miles.

Kim’s path to becoming an astronaut was far from conventional. Born and raised in Los Angeles by South Korean immigrants, he faced a challenging childhood that drove him to enlist in the U.S. Navy after high school. In 2005, Kim joined SEAL Team 3, where he served as a medic, sniper, navigator, and point man on over 100 combat operations. His bravery and dedication were recognized with the Silver and Bronze Stars for treating wounded teammates during two tours in Iraq. These experiences inspired Kim to pursue a career in medicine, leading him to earn his medical degree from Harvard Medical School in 2016.

Harvard President Alan M. Garber ’77, Ph.D. ’82, praised Kim’s commitment to serving others and his determination to leave the world better than he found it. Garber expressed confidence that Kim’s message would resonate with alumni who share similar values.

Kim’s journey from a difficult upbringing to becoming a NASA astronaut and Harvard-trained physician is a testament to his resilience and passion for making a difference. As he speaks to the global alumni community, Kim will undoubtedly offer insights into the challenges he faced and the lessons he learned along the way. His story serves as an inspiration for alumni and aspiring professionals alike, highlighting the importance of perseverance, service, and a commitment to something greater than oneself.

The Harvard Alumni Day celebration, featuring Jonny Kim as the keynote speaker, promises to be an inspiring event that connects alumni from around the world. Kim’s unique blend of experiences in the military, medicine, and space exploration will provide a captivating narrative that transcends boundaries and encourages alumni to embrace their roles as leaders and contributors to society.

In an era where innovation and collaboration are key to addressing global challenges, Kim’s journey underscores the power of interdisciplinary knowledge and the importance of staying true to one’s values. As he shares his story with the Harvard alumni community, Jonny Kim will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression, inspiring attendees to pursue their passions and make a meaningful impact on the world.