University of Miami alumnus and baseball star Alex Rodriguez, will speak Thursday, December 14 at the fall 2017 commencement.
Rodriguez will address the 2017 graduating class by giving insight into his experiences on and off the field.
The 14-time Major League Baseball all-star was born in New York and spent his childhood in Miami. Following Miami Hurricanes baseball as a child, Rodriguez was given the opportunity to play baseball for UM. However, the Seattle Mariners secured Rodriguez and he went on to play baseball for 22 years as a Mariner, New York Yankee and Texas Ranger.
A-Rod's philanthropic missions have been an indication that he has stood out from the crowd. The honorary alumnus donated $3.9 million to renovate Mark Light Field, now called Alex Rodriguez Park, which funds an annual scholarship for members of the Boys and Girls Club of America. Rodriguez has been an active supporter of the University of Miami School of Business Administration where he established the Graduate Entrepreneurship and Innovation Endowed Fund. The fund’s goal is to support students in the Miami Executive M.B.A. for Artists and Athletes program.
Rodriguez has been an advocate for students and believes that athletes have the duty to give back.
“We have a responsibility not just as athletes, but as members of society to treat people well,” said Rodriguez.
In addition to philanthropy, the Emmy Award-winning sports commentator has received numerous accolades for his distinct character. In 2004, Rodriguez was named an honorary alumnus of the University of Miami and in 2007 received the Edward T. Foote II Alumnus of Distinction Award.
Today, the retired baseball star serves as a member of the UM board of trustees and continues to be an advocate of the golden rule.
“I’m treating others how I want to be treated,” said A-Rod. “And I’m really, really appreciating the moment.”
Rodriguez's commencement speech, which is open to graduates and their guests, will be held at 8 a.m. in the Watsco Center
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