Magic Johnson at Stillman College (Tarlisha Gaines / Stillman College)

NBA legend and famous philanthropist Magic Johnson was in Alabama over the weekend, giving commencement speeches at Stillman College and Tuskegee University.

During his stop in Tuscaloosa, Stillman was celebrating its 150th anniversary as a school. Johnson was the keynote speaker then was presented with an honorary Doctor of Business Administration degree.

“You have this big opportunity in front of you, and what’s important is what you do – with no excuses. 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.”
Magic Johnson

The ceremony honored 114 graduates and their achievements. The Class of 2026’s highest honors recipients including salutatorian Precious Faith Onah and valedictorian Olusola Ajumobi.

“We’re proud of our graduates and excited to see what they make of the future. 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.”
Dr. Yolanda W. Page, president of Stillman College