Venus Williams to Speak at LMU Undergraduate Commencement

By Richard Pagliaro | Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Photo credit: Laura Metzler

Venus Williams will share her life insights with students on graduation Saturday.

Loyola Marymount University announced it will welcome former world No. 1 Venus Williams as the keynote speaker for the 2026 undergraduate commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 16th.

The five-time Wimbledon champion is a college graduate, who often took time off from the WTA Tour in the fall to take college courts. Venus earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Indiana University East in August of 2015.

Off the court, Williams is the founder of V Starr, an award-winning full-service commercial and residential design firm, and launched her plant-based protein company, Happy Viking. Additionally, she is an investor and ambassador for the walking and wellness app WeWard, encouraging healthier and more active lifestyles worldwide.

Most recently, Venus partnered with her sister, Serena, on an exclusive X Originals video podcast series, Stockton Street, which premiered in September 2025. The viral hit series spotlights the pair as they reflect on their journey to becoming global icons, joined by a dynamic lineup of guests for candid conversations spanning family, health and wellness, mental health, pop culture, entrepreneurship, leadership, ambition, and resilience.

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Nearly 3,000 undergraduate, graduate, and law students will participate in commencement weekend at LMU, which will be at Sunken Garden on the LMU Westchester campus and livestreamed. More information is at lmu.edu/commencement.