Magic Johnson delivered inspiring advice to Stillman College graduates during the May 9 commencement ceremony, emphasizing the importance of preparation and self-belief. Around 114 students graduated at the event held in Tuscaloosa.
Key points
Magic Johnson spoke at Stillman College's commencement
He emphasized preparation and self-belief
114 students graduated during the ceremony
The event was held at Sheppard Lawn in Tuscaloosa
Johnson is a Hall of Fame basketball player and successful businessman
Mentioned in this story
Earvin 'Magic' JohnsonStillman CollegeTuscaloosa
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 CollegeĀ graduates during the commencement ceremony, held at theĀ campusā Sheppard Lawn in Tuscaloosa.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provides the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provides the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement.
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.ā
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May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Graduates march in the processional at Stillman College where NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at the 2026 Spring Commencement.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Graduates march in the processional at Stillman College where NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at the 2026 Spring Commencement.
Stillman College previously described Johnson's appearance as a "special gift" for this year's graduating class.
āWeāre proud of our graduates and excited to see what they make of the future,ā 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.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Graduates march in the processional at Stillman College where NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at the 2026 Spring Commencement.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Graduates march in the processional at Stillman College where NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at the 2026 Spring Commencement.
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 ā 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.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. Stillman made him an honorary doctor and an honorary member of the basketball team, presenting him with a framed jersey.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. Stillman made him an honorary doctor and an honorary member of the basketball team, presenting him with a framed jersey.
And through theĀ Magic Johnson Foundation,Ā JohnsonĀ 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.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provides the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provides the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provides the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provides the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provides the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provides the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provides the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provides the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provides the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. Johnson, who is 6ā9ā tall, has to bow low for the much shorter staff members to put his honorary doctorateās hood over his head.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. Johnson, who is 6ā9ā tall, laughs as has to bow low for the much shorter staff members to put his honorary doctorateās hood over his head.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. Johnson, who is 6ā9ā tall, laughs as has to bow low for the much shorter staff members to put his honorary doctorateās hood over his head.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. Johnson, who is 6ā9ā tall, laughs as has to bow low for the much shorter staff members to put his honorary doctorateās hood over his head.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. Stillman made him an honorary doctor and an honorary member of the basketball team, presenting him with a framed jersey.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. Stillman made him an honorary doctor and an honorary member of the basketball team, presenting him with a framed jersey.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. Stillman made him an honorary doctor and an honorary member of the basketball team, presenting him with a framed jersey.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Graduates prepare to march in the processional at Stillman College where NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at the 2026 Spring Commencement.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Graduates prepare to march in the processional at Stillman College where NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at the 2026 Spring Commencement.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. Dersen Evans wears his regalia as he readies for graduation.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. Corey Stokes stands ready to march in the processional prior to graduation.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. Ayanna Ezell gets some lighting assistance from her father, Rodney Standifer, as she touches up her makeup.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. Stillman graduate Justin Rollins gets a hug from Tito Rollins, his father.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Graduates march in the processional at Stillman College where NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at the 2026 Spring Commencement.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Graduates march in the processional at Stillman College where NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at the 2026 Spring Commencement.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Graduates march in the processional at Stillman College where NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at the 2026 Spring Commencement.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Graduates march in the processional at Stillman College where NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at the 2026 Spring Commencement.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Graduates march in the processional at Stillman College where NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at the 2026 Spring Commencement.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Graduates march in the processional at Stillman College where NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at the 2026 Spring Commencement.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Graduates march in the processional at Stillman College where NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at the 2026 Spring Commencement.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Graduates march in the processional at Stillman College where NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at the 2026 Spring Commencement.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Graduates march in the processional at Stillman College where NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at the 2026 Spring Commencement.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. Lorenzon Winston, a member of the Stillman College staff wears a sesquicentennial pin, celebrating the schoolās 150 years.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provides the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provides the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provides the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provides the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provides the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. Stillman presented 114 diplomas to the 2026 graduates.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provides the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. Stillman President Yolanda Page presents and honorary doctorate to Johnson following his commencement address.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. Stillman President Yolanda Page presents and honorary doctorate to Johnson following his commencement address.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. Stillman President Yolanda Page presents and honorary doctorate to Johnson following his commencement address.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. A pin commemorating the year of Stillmanās founding is worn by a staff member.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. A soloist performs with the Stillman College Choir.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. A soloist performs with the Stillman College Choir.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provides the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. One hundred fourteen graduates received diplomas during the commencement ceremony.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provides the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. One hundred fourteen graduates received diplomas during the commencement ceremony.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provides the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. One hundred fourteen graduates received diplomas during the commencement ceremony.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provides the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. President Yolanda Page presents diplomas to the 114 graduates in the 2026 class.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provides the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. One hundred fourteen graduates received diplomas during the commencement ceremony.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provides the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. President Yolanda Page presents diplomas to the 114 graduates in the 2026 class.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provides the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. President Yolanda Page presents diplomas to the 114 graduates in the 2026 class.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provides the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. One hundred fourteen graduates received diplomas during the commencement ceremony.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provides the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. One hundred fourteen graduates received diplomas during the commencement ceremony.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provides the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. One hundred fourteen graduates received diplomas during the commencement ceremony.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provides the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. One hundred fourteen graduates received diplomas during the commencement ceremony.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provides the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. One hundred fourteen graduates received diplomas during the commencement ceremony.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provides the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. One hundred fourteen graduates received diplomas during the commencement ceremony.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provides the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. One hundred fourteen graduates received diplomas during the commencement ceremony.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provides the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. One hundred fourteen graduates received diplomas during the commencement ceremony.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. Janiah Alexander and Vanessa Munoz pose for a photo before graduation.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Graduates march in the processional at Stillman College where NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at the 2026 Spring Commencement.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Graduates march in the processional at Stillman College where NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at the 2026 Spring Commencement.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Graduates march in the processional at Stillman College where NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at the 2026 Spring Commencement.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Graduates march in the processional at Stillman College where NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at the 2026 Spring Commencement.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Graduates march in the processional at Stillman College where NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at the 2026 Spring Commencement.
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provides the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement.
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Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provides the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement.
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Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provides the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement.
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Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provides the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement.
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Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provides the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement.
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Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provides the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement.
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Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provides the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement.
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Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provides the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement.
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Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provides the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement.
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Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provides the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement.
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Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provides the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement.
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Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. Johnson, who is 6ā9ā tall, has to bow low for the much shorter staff members to put his honorary doctorateās hood over his head.
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Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. Johnson, who is 6ā9ā tall, laughs as has to bow low for the much shorter staff members to put his honorary doctorateās hood over his head.
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Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. Johnson, who is 6ā9ā tall, laughs as has to bow low for the much shorter staff members to put his honorary doctorateās hood over his head.
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Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. Johnson, who is 6ā9ā tall, laughs as has to bow low for the much shorter staff members to put his honorary doctorateās hood over his head.
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Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. Stillman made him an honorary doctor and an honorary member of the basketball team, presenting him with a framed jersey.
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Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. Stillman made him an honorary doctor and an honorary member of the basketball team, presenting him with a framed jersey.
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Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. Stillman made him an honorary doctor and an honorary member of the basketball team, presenting him with a framed jersey.
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Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Graduates prepare to march in the processional at Stillman College where NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at the 2026 Spring Commencement.
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Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Graduates prepare to march in the processional at Stillman College where NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at the 2026 Spring Commencement.
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Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. Dersen Evans wears his regalia as he readies for graduation.
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Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement.
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Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. Corey Stokes stands ready to march in the processional prior to graduation.
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Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. Ayanna Ezell gets some lighting assistance from her father, Rodney Standifer, as she touches up her makeup.
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Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. Stillman graduate Justin Rollins gets a hug from Tito Rollins, his father.
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Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Graduates march in the processional at Stillman College where NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at the 2026 Spring Commencement.
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Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Graduates march in the processional at Stillman College where NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at the 2026 Spring Commencement.
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Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Graduates march in the processional at Stillman College where NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at the 2026 Spring Commencement.
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Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Graduates march in the processional at Stillman College where NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at the 2026 Spring Commencement.
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Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Graduates march in the processional at Stillman College where NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at the 2026 Spring Commencement.
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Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Graduates march in the processional at Stillman College where NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at the 2026 Spring Commencement.
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Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Graduates march in the processional at Stillman College where NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at the 2026 Spring Commencement.
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Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Graduates march in the processional at Stillman College where NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at the 2026 Spring Commencement.
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Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Graduates march in the processional at Stillman College where NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at the 2026 Spring Commencement.
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Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement.
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Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement.
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Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement.
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Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement.
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Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement.
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Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. Lorenzon Winston, a member of the Stillman College staff wears a sesquicentennial pin, celebrating the schoolās 150 years.
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Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provides the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement.
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Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provides the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement.
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Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provides the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement.
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Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provides the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement.
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Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provides the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement.
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Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. Stillman presented 114 diplomas to the 2026 graduates.
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Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provides the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement.
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Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. Stillman President Yolanda Page presents and honorary doctorate to Johnson following his commencement address.
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Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. Stillman President Yolanda Page presents and honorary doctorate to Johnson following his commencement address.
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Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. Stillman President Yolanda Page presents and honorary doctorate to Johnson following his commencement address.
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Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. A pin commemorating the year of Stillmanās founding is worn by a staff member.
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Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. A soloist performs with the Stillman College Choir.
51 / 76
Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. A soloist performs with the Stillman College Choir.
52 / 76
Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement.
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Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement.
54 / 76
Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provides the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. One hundred fourteen graduates received diplomas during the commencement ceremony.
55 / 76
Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provides the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. One hundred fourteen graduates received diplomas during the commencement ceremony.
56 / 76
Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provides the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. One hundred fourteen graduates received diplomas during the commencement ceremony.
57 / 76
Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provides the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. President Yolanda Page presents diplomas to the 114 graduates in the 2026 class.
58 / 76
Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provides the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. One hundred fourteen graduates received diplomas during the commencement ceremony.
59 / 76
Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement.
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Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provides the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. President Yolanda Page presents diplomas to the 114 graduates in the 2026 class.
61 / 76
Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provides the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. President Yolanda Page presents diplomas to the 114 graduates in the 2026 class.
62 / 76
Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provides the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. One hundred fourteen graduates received diplomas during the commencement ceremony.
63 / 76
Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provides the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. One hundred fourteen graduates received diplomas during the commencement ceremony.
64 / 76
Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provides the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. One hundred fourteen graduates received diplomas during the commencement ceremony.
65 / 76
Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provides the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. One hundred fourteen graduates received diplomas during the commencement ceremony.
66 / 76
Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provides the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. One hundred fourteen graduates received diplomas during the commencement ceremony.
67 / 76
Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provides the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. One hundred fourteen graduates received diplomas during the commencement ceremony.
68 / 76
Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provides the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. One hundred fourteen graduates received diplomas during the commencement ceremony.
69 / 76
Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provides the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. One hundred fourteen graduates received diplomas during the commencement ceremony.
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Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement. Janiah Alexander and Vanessa Munoz pose for a photo before graduation.
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Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Graduates march in the processional at Stillman College where NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at the 2026 Spring Commencement.
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Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Graduates march in the processional at Stillman College where NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at the 2026 Spring Commencement.
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Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Graduates march in the processional at Stillman College where NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at the 2026 Spring Commencement.
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Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Graduates march in the processional at Stillman College where NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at the 2026 Spring Commencement.
75 / 76
Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Graduates march in the processional at Stillman College where NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provided the keynote address at the 2026 Spring Commencement.
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Magic Johnson headlines Stillman College's spring commencement
May 9, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; NBA legend Earvin āMagicā Johnson Jr. provides the keynote address at Stillman Collegeās 2026 Spring Commencement.
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.