Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson Jr. Visits Tuscaloosa and Inspires Stillman College Grads

Stillman College, honoring 150 years of academic distinction, perseverance, and lasting influence, hosted its Sesquicentennial Commencement Ceremony this morning, Saturday, May 9, on Sheppard Lawn.

Parents, family, and friends gather to cheer on their favorite student as Stillman College celebrated 114 graduates and the remarkable achievements that have prepared them to make an impact as they move forward into the next chapter of their journey.

Founded in 1876, Stillman College has remained dedicated to educating and empowering students to become leaders and servants of goodwill in communities across the nation and around the world.

The Sesquicentennial Commencement Address featured Earvin “Magic” Johnson Jr., a global leader, philanthropist, and NBA icon, who was also honored with an honorary Doctor of Business Administration.

Rather than remaining behind the podium, Johnson stepped directly toward the graduates, delivering his remarks with compassion, warmth, and personal connection that resonated throughout the ceremony.

He encouraged the Class of 2026 to think globally about their future, highlighted the growing impact of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) job market, and the importance of financial literacy.

Mindset was another major theme of the speech, encouraging graduates to believe in themselves and their potential. Reflecting on his own journey, Johnson shared that although he grew up poor, he never allowed himself to have “poor dreams.”

Johnson also left the graduates and attendees with some advice: “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.”

“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.”