Despite a $500 million net worth, Shaq just finished his fourth degree. He warns graduates: 'Your character will take you further than your resume' | Fortune

"Never stop learning, O'Neal told graduates during the LSU commencement ceremony earlier this week. "I'm proud of you all today, but this is not the end of your journey. Make sure you continue to strive, continue to learn, continue to have fun." In Shaq fashion, he ended the message with a plug for his candy brand, encouraging students to "continue to eat Shackalicious gummies at your local 7-Eleven and all the other stores.""

"Despite his success, he said professional achievement ultimately comes down to something less tangible than credentials. "Your character will take you further than your resume," O'Neal said. "Continue to be kind. Continue to be humble. Continue to help those in need." The message ties personal values to long-term progress, not just academic completion."

"Along the way, he leveled that failure is inevitable-and it'll make you a stronger person. "Youngsters, before you succeed, you must first learn to fail," he added. "But in the words of the great Shaquille O'Neal, use failure as motivation. It's a small percentage of people that accomplish things on the first try. Most of us regular people have to go again, again, again, and again.""

"The 54-year-old former NBA star has amassed an estimated net worth of roughly $500 million, yet he just earned his fourth college degree; This time, a master of arts in liberal arts from Louisiana State University (LSU). His business empire stretches far beyond basketball, turning his personal brand into a sprawling portfolio of investments, consumer products, and even a fried chicken chain."

Shaquille O'Neal earned a fourth college degree, a master of arts in liberal arts from Louisiana State University. He told the class of 2026 that graduation is not the end of a learning journey and encouraged continued effort, learning, and enjoyment. He connected his message to his own success beyond basketball, describing a business empire built through investments and consumer ventures. He emphasized that professional achievement depends more on character than on credentials, urging graduates to be kind, humble, and helpful. He also said failure is inevitable and should be used as motivation, since most people succeed only after repeated attempts.

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