Basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson passed along some magical advice to the graduating class at Stillman College during the school’s May 9 commencement ceremony.
“You have this big opportunity in front of you. It’s what you do with it that’s important, no excuses,” said Johnson, who built a Hall of Fame basketball career before building billion-dollar business empire. “You can become anything you want to become as long as you prepare, and you believe in yourself. You can go as far as you want to go.”
Around 114 students became Stillman College graduates during the commencement ceremony, held at the campus’ Sheppard Lawn in Tuscaloosa.
During the ceremony, Stillman College gave Johnson an honorary doctor of business administration degree. Stillman also made Johnson an honorary member of the basketball team, presenting him with a framed jersey.
Stillman College President Yolanda Page praised 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.”
The private, historically Black college affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA), founded in 1876, is marking its sesquicentennial this year.
“This morning, we are celebrating 150 years of excellence,” Page said.
Stillman College previously described Johnson’s appearance as a “special gift” for this year’s graduating class.
“We’re proud of our graduates and excited to see what they make of the future,” Page said.
During his remarks, Johnson encouraged graduates to strive for excellence. He also emphasized the importance of hard work, resilience and professionalism.
Johnson encouraged students to over-deliver in their work, in any job regardless of the role.
“I’m driven by excellence. You got to be driven by excellence in doing your job right,” Johnson told the crowd.
He also shared his journey from basketball to business, describing how he had to get out of his comfort zone in order to succeed in the business world.
“You have to sometimes be uncomfortable to get comfortable,” Johnson said.
“I know what to do with that ball – but, I wanted to become a businessman, so I got uncomfortable,” he said. “It made me uncomfortable because I didn’t know business, so I had to study, (do) research, get mentors who are businesspeople to teach me so I can get comfortable with finally becoming a businessman.”
His Magic Johnson Enterprises investment company is involved in life insurance, movie theaters, fast food franchises, real estate, healthcare and more. He also owns small stakes in several professional sports teams and has built a net worth estimated at more than $1 billion.
And 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.
Johnson also highlighted the importance of continuous learning, especially in the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence, and he added that being financially literate is a must in today’s world.
Graduates must not let others limit their potential and he urged Stillman students to set long-term goals while aiming for significant career advancements.
“I want you to tell yourself, you’re going to be here in three years. I want you to say, man, in three years I’m going to be the manager, or the general manager, or whatever that is in that company. I do everything in threes. My dreams are always three years out,” he said.
At the end of his remarks, Johnson encouraged graduates to chase their dreams, give back to their communities and to remember their roots.
The 66-year-old Johnson burst onto the basketball scene in 1979, winning an NCAA championship with the Michigan State Spartans before turning pro.
Johnson spent his entire NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers. He won five NBA titles and was named to 12 All-Star teams. He also has three MVPs and was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary team.
He was also a member of the USA “Dream Team,” which earned a gold medal in 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain.
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This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Magic Johnson inspires Stillman College graduates
