Magic Johnson tells Stillman Graduates: ‘You Can Become Anything You Want to Become’
Special to the Times NBA legend, philanthropist and global business leader Earvin “Magic” Johnson delivered a keynote address to Stillman College graduates this weekend that was both uplifting and practical. Johnson was also awarded an honorary Doctor of Business Administration during the ceremony, which was held Saturday, May 9, and marked a significant milestone for […]
Black News 
Special to the Times
NBA legend, philanthropist and global business leader Earvin “Magic” Johnson delivered a keynote address to Stillman College graduates this weekend that was both uplifting and practical.
Johnson was also awarded an honorary Doctor of Business Administration during the ceremony, which was held Saturday, May 9, and marked a significant milestone for the institution as Stillman celebrates 150 years.
“You have this big opportunity in front of you, and what’s important is what you do – with no excuses,” Johnson told the graduates. “You can become anything you want to become as long as you prepare and believe in yourself. I want you to map out where you will be in three years. I do everything in threes, and all my dreams are three years out.”
Johnson, who won a national championship at Michigan State before building an empire that includes co-ownership of the Los Angeles Dodgers, the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks and the Washington Spirit, also holds honorary degrees from Michigan State University, Xavier University of Louisiana, and Rust College. Through the Magic Johnson Foundation, Johnson has supported scholarships, expanded access to technology, and invested in community-based initiatives that advance educational opportunity in underserved communities nationwide.
Saturday’s ceremony, held on Stillman’s Sheppard Lawn, honored 114 graduates. The Class of 2026’s highest honors recipients, Precious Faith Onah, offered an opening salutation, and Olusola Ajumobi presented a farewell valediction. Both the valedictorian and salutatorian are from Lagos, Nigeria.
“We’re proud of our graduates and excited to see what they make of the future,” said Dr. Yolanda W. Page, the eighth president of Stillman College. “We’re also thankful to our commencement speaker, and newly honorary Doctor of Business Administration, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, for his commitment to education and Black generational excellence. He is a true representative of the type of merit Stillman has continued to instill in our communities for the last 150 years.”
