Brandeis University

Dr. Rick Hodes will speak at Brandeis’ 62nd commencement ceremonies on May 19 in the Gosman Sports and Convocation Center.

Hodes serves as the medical director of Ethiopia for the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee and has spent more than 20 years working with children with life-threatening scoliosis or kyphosis, reported The Justice.

Hodes’ work inspired HBO’s “Making the Crooked Straight” and the book “This is a Soul” by Marilyn Berger. He was named a “CNN Heroes” finalist in 2007 and was an ABC Person of the Week in 2010.

“Dr. Hodes exemplifies what one person can do to heal the world,” said Brandeis University President Fred Lawrence, in a statement. “By helping thousands of children and working to ensure that many more get life-saving or life-changing medical treatment, he reminds us that social justice is personal and that every child is worth saving.”

Along with five other recipients, Hodes will receive an honorary degree during the ceremony.