Addressing the future Mannie Jackson speaks to graduates during commencement exercises on May 11. Jackson, a 1960 alumnus, former Illini basketball player, and chairman and owner of the Harlem Globetrotters, spoke during morning and afternoon ceremonies at Assembly Hall and also received an honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters. Jackson’s Mother’s Day message to graduates focused on four words: faith, opportunities, challenges and confidence.

Below (Web extra): Chancellor Richard Herman greets Mannie Jackson before giving the commencement address.