Tuesday, March 20

Earvin “Magic” Johnson Jr.
Businessman and Former NBA and MSU Basketball Star

The Club’s spring session opens with Michigan native Earvin Johnson. Raised in Lansing, Michigan, Johnson earned his famous nickname, “Magic,” after a sportswriter witnessed the Everett High School basketball player score 36 points, grab 16 rebounds and make 16 assists in one game.

The basketball star continued to play at Michigan State University, leading them to a Big Ten Conference Title his freshman year and an NCAA championship his sophomore year. The Los Angeles Lakers drafted Johnson in 1979, and the 6-foot, 9-inch tall player was instrumental in helping his team be one of the NBA’s top teams throughout the 1980s.

In 1991, Johnson retired from pro basketball after revealing that he had the AIDS virus. He then founded and still chairs the Magic Johnson Foundation that is a significant supporter of HIV/AIDS research efforts and awareness programs. The foundation also addresses the educational, health and social needs of ethnically diverse, urban communities.

In 1992, Johnson returned to basketball to win a gold medal with the “American Dream Team” in the Summer Olympics Games, Barcelona, Spain. Now he visits his home state to discuss what it takes to meet life’s challenges both on and off the basketball court.

Location

Mendel Center, Lake Michigan College
2755 East Napier, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Google Maps

Upton Hall Members

Doors open 5 p.m. (Michigan time)
Dinner 6:15 p.m.
Speaker introductions 7:20 p.m.

Mainstage Auditorium Members

Doors open 6 p.m. (Michigan time) for social hour
Speaker introductions 6:55 p.m.