Magic Johnson delivers Stillman College 2026 commencement speech

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WBRC) - Stillman College celebrated its 150^th commencement exercise in grand fashion Saturday.

The school welcomed NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson as this year’s commencement speaker.

The five-time NBA champion told the class of 2026 they would have to get uncomfortable to grow from where they are now and become comfortable later in life.

“You’ve got to be driven by excellence and doing your job right. I live by this word and you have to live by this word, overdeliver,” Johnson told graduates and the crowd of supporters.

He advised students to always show up on time, and also asked them to learn AI.

He said Artificial Intelligence wouldn’t take their job, but those who do know AI would.

Johnson also explained how to grow inside a company during his commencement address.

“Everything you do, because once you get in and you overdeliver your supervisor, your manager will see that. Then you gain trust. When somebody trusts you that means they will help you to grow within that company,” Johnson added.

Many of the graduates believe Johnson’s commencement address made graduation even more memorable.

“Well, it’s an honor that he chose to come here and speak with us and congratulate us. I think it’s awesome,” Stormi Porter told WBRC.

“I returned back to Stillman to finish up what I started in the early 2000’s. So, I’m super excited,” explained Tyaisha Marks.

“I’m so happy that he’s speaking for us. That speaks volumes for this community, for Stillman College. And I’m just grateful, he’s a legend,” Marks continued.

Stillman College awarded Johnson an honorary Doctor of Business Administration following his commencement address.

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