Exemplar of excellence: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar receives the UC Presidential Medal
“[UCLA] was the best college to develop you as a human being and a basketball player, that allowed you to be the best in the world at your sport but also receive a world-class education,” Drake said of Abdul-Jabbar, who earned his bachelor’s degree in history during his playing days. “When I go around the world, it’s interesting what [the UCs] are known for,” Drake continued. “Most famous around the whole world is UCLA. UCLA athletics is known worldwide. The person who best exemplifies that is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.” The room erupted in applause.
Like Drake, UCLA Interim Chancellor Darnell Hunt was effusive in lauding the achievements of Coach John Wooden’s most famous big man.
“He was a towering presence on the court,” Hunt said. “And he has been a towering presence in many different fights for human rights, civil rights, racial justice and social justice.”