On LSU Court Where He Dominated, Shaquille O’Neal Collects Master’s Degree, Inspires Class of 2026

May 18, 2026

After leaving LSU in 1992 for the NBA, Shaquille O’Neal returned to the Pete Maravich Assembly Center to receive a master’s degree in liberal arts from the College of Humanities & Social Sciences and address the class of 2026.

O’Neal, who dominated the basketball court as one of LSU’s most legendary athletes, offered words of wisdom to the newest group of LSU alumni, marking a full-circle moment in his LSU journey. 

 "Continue to be kind. Continue to be humble," O'Neal said. "Celebrate how far you've come, but keep striving for what's ahead."

Check out his commencement address below.