On Sunday, Dwyane Wade visited Milwaukee to accept an honorary doctor of humane letters degree from Marquette University and speak at the school’s commencement.
During his speech, Wade advised Marquette University’s Class of 2022 to take time for solitude, self-awareness, and passion in their future endeavors.
When University President Michael Lovell handed Wade his diploma, he beamingly threw his hands in the air.
Wade was a member of the Marquette basketball team from 2000 to 2003 before leaving early to enter the NBA draft. He went on to win three NBA championships, an Olympic gold medal in 2008, and a spot on the NBA’s list of the 75 best players of all time.
At the American Family Insurance Amphitheater on the Summerfest grounds, Wade addressed 1,942 undergraduates.
“Today, we celebrate what you have accomplished as we should,” Wade said. “Tomorrow, wake up to begin the next leg of your journey. Your passion. I repeat, your passion lies on the journey.”
Wade informed the graduating class that he didn’t start thinking about his future until former Marquette basketball coach Tom Crean came to his house with a university cap and gown while he was still in high school.
“He wasn’t recruiting me just because of my basketball abilities, but also because he believed that I wanted more for myself and my family,” Wade said. “Coach Crean recognized me as someone worthy and was giving me a chance to prove myself.”
He went on to talk about how he has matured.
“As we become more self-aware, we achieve a better understanding of who we are,” Wade said. “We discover our values. Our character. What we consider to be right or wrong. We discover what drives us, what inspires us, and motivates us. Through self-awareness we are given the opportunity to design who we truly want and deserve to be.”
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