Tennis Champion Venus Williams to Keynote at LMU's 2026 Commencement Ceremony
Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles is gearing up to celebrate an exciting milestone on May 16, 2026, as it welcomes tennis legend and entrepreneur Venus Williams as the keynote speaker for its undergraduate commencement ceremony. With an impressive list of accolades, including seven Grand Slam singles titles, five Wimbledon championships, and four Olympic gold medals, Venus is not only a sports icon but also a beacon of inspiration for countless individuals around the globe.
From an early age of just 14, Venus Williams showed incredible promise in the world of tennis. Rising quickly through the ranks, she became the world's number one ranked player, shattering records and securing victories that would define her career. However, her accomplishments extend far beyond the tennis court, showcasing her multifaceted talents as an entrepreneur and advocate.
Williams has made notable strides in the business world, establishing herself as a formidable force outside of sports. She founded V Starr, a highly-regarded full-service design firm that has garnered numerous accolades for its innovative designs in both commercial and residential projects. In addition, she launched Happy Viking, a plant-based protein company aiming to promote healthier living.
Her commitment to health and wellness doesn't stop there. Venus has also become an investor in the popular walking and wellness app WeWard, which encourages users to lead more active lifestyles. Her recent endeavors include hosting a video podcast series, Stockton Street, alongside her sister Serena. This exclusive series launched in September 2025, drawing attention for its candid discussions about their journey to success while addressing various subjects such as mental health, wellness, and resilience.
In 2024, Venus published her health and wellness book "Strive" in collaboration with Amistad and HarperCollins. Drawing from her personal experiences, she presents readers with eight essential principles—Observe, Appreciate, Balance, Enrich, Soothe, Believe, Inspire, and Strive—to help them lead enriching lives.
Alongside her achievements, Venus has been a staunch advocate for gender equality, using her platform to foster change within the sports community. In 2006, she was honored as the first "Promoter of Gender Equality" by UNESCO, the United Nations’ cultural organization. Her advocacy in 2007 was instrumental in Wimbledon granting equal pay to female players, an issue that had long persisted in professional sports.
In recognition of her ongoing efforts to promote equality, Venus was awarded the inaugural U.S. Open Billie Jean King Champion of Equality Award in 2023. This honor shines a light on her dedication to leveling the playing field, both for athletes and women in sports.
As LMU prepares to celebrate its graduating class of nearly 3,000 undergraduate, graduate, and law students, the commencement ceremony promises to be a momentous occasion, especially with Venus Williams inspiring the audience with her journey filled with challenges and triumphs. The event will take place in the picturesque Sunken Garden on LMU's Westchester campus and will also be livestreamed for those who cannot attend in person.
For more information about the event, visit the official LMU Commencement website at lmu.edu/commencement. With a speaker like Venus Williams, students and attendees alike are bound to be inspired as they embark on their own journeys following graduation.
From an early age of just 14, Venus Williams showed incredible promise in the world of tennis. Rising quickly through the ranks, she became the world's number one ranked player, shattering records and securing victories that would define her career. However, her accomplishments extend far beyond the tennis court, showcasing her multifaceted talents as an entrepreneur and advocate.
Williams has made notable strides in the business world, establishing herself as a formidable force outside of sports. She founded V Starr, a highly-regarded full-service design firm that has garnered numerous accolades for its innovative designs in both commercial and residential projects. In addition, she launched Happy Viking, a plant-based protein company aiming to promote healthier living.
Her commitment to health and wellness doesn't stop there. Venus has also become an investor in the popular walking and wellness app WeWard, which encourages users to lead more active lifestyles. Her recent endeavors include hosting a video podcast series, Stockton Street, alongside her sister Serena. This exclusive series launched in September 2025, drawing attention for its candid discussions about their journey to success while addressing various subjects such as mental health, wellness, and resilience.
In 2024, Venus published her health and wellness book "Strive" in collaboration with Amistad and HarperCollins. Drawing from her personal experiences, she presents readers with eight essential principles—Observe, Appreciate, Balance, Enrich, Soothe, Believe, Inspire, and Strive—to help them lead enriching lives.
Alongside her achievements, Venus has been a staunch advocate for gender equality, using her platform to foster change within the sports community. In 2006, she was honored as the first "Promoter of Gender Equality" by UNESCO, the United Nations’ cultural organization. Her advocacy in 2007 was instrumental in Wimbledon granting equal pay to female players, an issue that had long persisted in professional sports.
In recognition of her ongoing efforts to promote equality, Venus was awarded the inaugural U.S. Open Billie Jean King Champion of Equality Award in 2023. This honor shines a light on her dedication to leveling the playing field, both for athletes and women in sports.
As LMU prepares to celebrate its graduating class of nearly 3,000 undergraduate, graduate, and law students, the commencement ceremony promises to be a momentous occasion, especially with Venus Williams inspiring the audience with her journey filled with challenges and triumphs. The event will take place in the picturesque Sunken Garden on LMU's Westchester campus and will also be livestreamed for those who cannot attend in person.
For more information about the event, visit the official LMU Commencement website at lmu.edu/commencement. With a speaker like Venus Williams, students and attendees alike are bound to be inspired as they embark on their own journeys following graduation.
Topics People & Culture）
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