PBHA's 2026 Robert Coles "Call of Service" Lecture & Award

Join us for a special evening honoring Dr. Vivek Murthy, physician and former US Surgeon General, as he receives PBHA's 20th Annual Robert Coles “Call of Service” Award.

Friday, September 25, 2026 | Doors Open at 3:30 PM.

First Parish in Cambridge, Unitarian Universalist - 1446 Mass Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138

Learn more about the 20th Robert Coles “Call of Service” Award and Lecture at

As we look forward to honoring Dr. Murthy, we also want to take the time to celebrate the incredible impact that Dr. Robert Coles, who passed away this summer, had on our Harvard and PBHA community. Dr. Coles was a beloved teacher whose course, "The Literature of Social Reflection," inspired generations of Harvard students to seek moral courage. He also sat on PBHA's Board of Trustees, ran reflections and provided mental health support for PBHA volunteers, and believed deeply in the mission of PBHA and the power of the students' service. His life's work is deeply intertwined with generations of PBHAers.
We will have a special celebration of Dr. Coles' life and legacy during the event, and will also host a memorial reception in the Phillips Brooks House Parlor afterwards to gather and share memories. Whether or not you can join us in person, please add your appreciation or memories of Dr. Coles by September 20th that we can share with our community and his family.

Is your organization interested in co-sponsoring the 2026 Robert Coles “Call of Service” Lecture & Award? Contact Joshua Rodriguez Ortiz at [email protected].

Co-sponsorship is non-financial, and would involve helping spread the word to your community and joining us at the event.