Updated April 30, 1:05 p.m.: In a press release from the Weber State University Athletics Department, Director of Athletic Communications Paul Grua announced that Damian Lillard will be present at the Weber State Commencement on May 1. According to the release, Lillard will speak briefly as one of two student speakers at the start of the commencement ceremony before later walking across the stage to receive his diploma during the College of Applied Science and Technology graduation at 10 a.m.
Barring any playoff commitments, NBA all-star and WSU alum Damian Lillard will both walk and speak at the 145th spring commencement.
Lillard, who is in his third year with the Portland Trail Blazers, spent time in his offseason finishing the credits required to graduate with his bachelor’s degree in technical sales.
“We have known that Damian was going to graduate,” said Allison Barlow Hess, public relations director for WSU. “It was about a month ago that he called and let us know that he would do what he can to be here and walk with his classmates.”
The Trail Blazers are currently playing against the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the playoffs and are down 1-0 in the series. If the Grizzlies win the series, Lillard will not only make it to walk, but has also been invited to be one of the student speakers at the commencement ceremony.
“This is a man who could have anything and go anywhere in this world,” Hess said. “The fact that he wants to be here graduating with his classmates makes him simply amazing.”
