Two Wentworth Alumni and Trustees to Receive Honorary Degrees at Spring 2026 Commencement

Doug Karam '83 (left) and Dave Wahlstrom '80

Two dedicated members of the Wentworth community - one who has spent decades shaping the region's built environment, and one whose career was devoted to shaping the university itself - will be honored at Wentworth Institute of Technology's April Commencement.

Doug Karam '83 and Dave Wahlstrom '80 will each receive an Honorary Doctor of Construction Management degree at the ceremony, held at the MGM Music Hall in the Fenway neighborhood of Boston.

Honorary Degree Recipient: Doug Karam '83

Doug Karam's connection to Wentworth stretches back more than four decades, beginning with his graduation from the Building Construction Engineering Technology program in 1983. Before founding his own firm, he launched his career at Turner Construction Company in Boston.

In 1990, Karam founded KVAssociates, a Boston-based construction consulting firm that provides owner's project management services across the healthcare, life science, academic, and hospitality sectors. Over more than 45 years in the industry, he has helped shape the built environment of the region while building long-term relationships along the way.

His commitment to Wentworth extends well beyond his student years. A strong supporter of the university's mentoring program, Karam has served on the Board of Trustees since 2014 and currently serves as Vice Chair of the Board. He also chairs the Real Estate Planning Subcommittee, helping to guide the university's strategic footprint.

Honorary Degree Recipient: Dave Wahlstrom '80

Dave Wahlstrom's career is, in many ways, the story of Wentworth itself. After graduating in 1980 with a degree in Architectural Engineering Technology, Wahlstrom dedicated his entire 45-year professional life to the university, retiring recently as Vice President for Business. His family's ties to Wentworth run deep - his wife and two children are also graduates.

During his tenure, Wahlstrom was a driving force behind transforming Wentworth into a residential university, guiding the development of the residence halls at 525, 555, and 610 Huntington Avenue. He also oversaw the addition of the Center for Engineering, Innovation and Sciences (CEIS), as well as the new Sweeney Field and parking garage. A 2003 recipient of the Gold Leopard Alumni Award, Wahlstrom played a vital role in establishing the STRIVE Program and in fostering strong relationships with Wentworth's neighbors in Mission Hill and the City of Boston.

Spring Commencement will take place at the MGM Music Hall in the Fenway neighborhood of Boston. For more information, including important deadlines, head to the official Wentworth Commencement website.