Famous baseball player and civil rights advocate Hank Aaron – or “Hammerin’ Hank,” as teammates and fans used to call him – was announced as the commencement speaker for the 2012 graduating class and will also receive an honorary doctor of humane letters degree.
After 23 seasons in Major League Baseball, Aaron finished his final season with the Milwaukee Brewers in 1976. He hit 755 home runs in his career, surpassing Babe Ruth’s career high two years prior to retiring. Aaron is returning to Milwaukee to speak to this year’s graduating class about the importance of diversity.
“In light of what Father Pilarz expressed in his inauguration speech about excellence and access, Mr. Aaron just seemed like a perfect fit,” said George Koonce, director of development in University Advancement, in an email. “He understands Marquette’s mission and belief in excellence, faith, leadership and service.”
He will join the ranks of former speakers David McCullough, a Pulitzer-Prize winning author, in 2011, Wendy Kopp, the founder of Teach For America, in 2010 and Dick Enberg, a network sportscaster and this year’s Axthelm lecturer, in 2009.
Outside of his baseball career Aaron worked for equality and civil rights. He established the Chasing The Dream Foundation, an organization which helps underprivileged students seek an education by providing scholarships.
Speakers are chosen through suggestions to the university based on their demonstration of excellence and their connection to the university, said Steven Frieder, assistant to the president and corporate secretary. The honorary degree Aaron will receive is also based off his accomplishments.
“In the case of Mr. Aaron that would be both in athletics and civil rights,” Frieder said.
Because of his start in the Negro American League before his major league career began in 1954 and his past dealings with segregation in the south when playing with the Atlanta Braves, Aaron has credible insight on racial inequality.
“I think his message is going to be tailored to the students and will most likely let them know that no matter where you come from, we can all participate in the American Dream,” Koonce said. “No matter who you are or where you are from, opportunities are available to succeed.”
Koonce said even when done with his professional career, Aaron returned frequently to the area and “holds Milwaukee dear to his heart.”
Many students don’t know much about Aaron other than his baseball career but look forward to his commencement address either way.
“I don’t really have a strong reaction either way,” Daniel Starr, a senior in the College of Education, said. “But I think being able to listen to anyone as distinguished as Hank Aaron is a great opportunity regardless of context.”
Aaron was contacted with the help from two of his local friends. Aaron’s childhood friend from Milwaukee Joe Kennedy and close friend John Daniels, chairman of Quarles & Brady LLP, played big roles. The two, along with Pilarz, were very active in bringing the Major League Baseball star to campus, Koonce said.
“We all agreed that Mr. Aaron would be perfect for addressing the student body to encourage leadership and excellence as the graduates move on to the next phase of their journey,” Koonce said.