The learning never stops, Shaquille O’Neal recently said after he completed another degree, earning a Master of Liberal Arts at Louisiana State University.
Shaq received his fourth college degree at the LSU commencement ceremony in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on May 16, building on his existing credentials that include a bachelor’s degree in general studies, an MBA, and a doctorate in education.
The 54-year-old NBA legend’s commitment to education was on full display at LSU, where he gave a commencement speech to fellow graduates, according to Fortune Magazine.
The former athlete who promotes, inks partnerships with, and crates businesses, all in the process amassing wealth of about half a billion, Shaq encouraged students to “Never stop learning.”
“I’m proud of you all today, but this is not the end of your journey. Make sure you continue to strive, continue to learn, continue to have fun,” Shaq said, according to Fortune.
The inspiration wouldn’t have been complete without Shaq’s humor. He interjected a plug for one of his ventures during his speech, telling graduates to “continue to eat Shaq-A-Licious Gummies at your local 7-Eleven and all the other stores.”
But amid the funny lines he also delivered a deeper message. “Your character will take you further than your resume. Continue to be kind. Continue to be humble. Continue to help those in need,” he added, according to Fortune.
He also spoke about humility and perseverance, telling graduates that failure is inevitable and often necessary for success.
“But in the words of the great Shaquille O’Neal, use failure as motivation. It’s a small percentage of people that accomplish things on the first try. Most of us regular people have to go again, again, again, and again,” he extolled.
He also used the graduation to make a light jab at longtime friend and TV co-host Charles Barkley.
During the commencement ceremony, the name reader announced him as: “Shaquille ‘I Hate Charles Barkley’ O’Neal.”
Shaq first attended LSU before leaving for the 1992 NBA draft, where the Orlando Magic selected him with the No. 1 overall pick.
While playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, he returned to LSU and completed his bachelor’s degree in 2000.
“I’m excited about it, it gives me something to fall back on,” Shaq said. “You need your stamp to prove you’re an educated man; I’m an educated man. The money’s always nice, you need an education to manage your money.” His net worth is estimated at $500 million.
