Earvin “Magic” Johnson will address more than 300 undergraduates at Tuskegee University’s commencement ceremony in Chappie James Arena on May 9. The event is scheduled to begin at 12:30 p.m.
Johnson, a former NBA player and current Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Magic Johnson Enterprises, is expected to share insights from his career and offer guidance as graduates transition into their professional lives. He holds controlling interests in EquiTrust, a financial services company, and SodexoMagic, which provides food service and facilities management on the Tuskegee campus.
In addition to his business ventures, Johnson became co-owner of the National Football League’s Washington Commanders in 2023. He also has ownership stakes in several sports teams including the Los Angeles Dodgers—who won consecutive World Series championships in 2024 and 2025—the Los Angeles Sparks of the Women’s National Basketball Association, Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles Football Club, the Washington Spirit of the National Women’s Soccer League, and Team Liquid in eSports.
Dr. Mark A. Brown, President and CEO of Tuskegee University said, “We are excited about hosting such an exceptional leader and visionary and look forward to how Magic Johnson outlines a path for our students to use what they’ve learned at Tuskegee to navigate a swiftly changing world.” Brown continued: “We expect this to be a lesson in business and entrepreneurship as well as a lesson in life. There will be something for everyone, regardless of their career path.”
Johnson has expanded his influence into infrastructure investment through MJE-Loop Capital Partners—a platform he formed with Loop Capital—which invests hundreds of millions of dollars into projects such as New Terminal One at John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport Terminal B renovations, and modernization programs for Los Angeles World Airports’ cargo facilities. He is also an investor in technology companies like Skydio.
The ceremony is ticketed with overflow seating available on campus at Logan Hall and the University Chapel. Updates regarding parking instructions and shuttle services are being posted daily on the Commencement webpage.