Jalen Rose to Deliver University of Michigan Commencement Speech
University of Michigan officials announced that former Wolverine Jalen Rose will serve as the spring 2026 commencement speaker. Interim President Domenico Grasso made the announcement during the March 19 Board of Regents meeting. The regents are expected to approve his selection and several honorary degrees at their Thursday session.
Speaker selection and ceremony details
Rose will receive an honorary degree in addition to delivering the address. Commencement is scheduled for Saturday, May 2 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor. The ceremony will feature multiple honorary degree recipients.
Other honorary degree honorees
- Michael Phelps, Olympic gold medalist.
- Ronald Weiser, philanthropist and former university regent.
- Shirin Ebadi, Nobel Peace Prize laureate from Iran.
- Ingeborg Hochmair-Desoyer, CEO of MED-EL.
Rose’s Michigan and professional background
Born and raised in Detroit, Rose played for Michigan from 1991 to 1994. He arrived as a member of the famed “Fab Five” freshman class.
That group reached consecutive NCAA Championship games in 1992 and 1993. Rose then played 13 seasons in the NBA across six teams, including the Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, and Phoenix Suns.
Post-playing career and philanthropy
Rose ended his NBA career in 2007 and moved into basketball media. He also founded the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy, a tuition-free public charter high school in northwest Detroit.
The Michigan Sports Hall of Fame inducted Rose in 2017, according to records cited by Filmogaz.com. His civic and media work has kept him visible in the Detroit area.
University leaders described the choice as a nod to both Rose’s athletic legacy and community contributions. Graduates and guests will hear his address at the May 2 ceremony.
