Madison residents will see former Badger basketball star Frank Kaminsky deliver the keynote address at the University of Wisconsin‑Madison’s Winter 2026 Commencement, the university announced Monday, according to WMTV.
Kaminsky, who guided the Badgers to back‑to‑back Final Four appearances in 2014 and 2015 and helped win the 2015 Big Ten Tournament, was selected by senior‑class officers in consultation with the Chancellor’s Office. His on‑court achievements include a 20‑point, 11‑rebound performance that propelled Wisconsin past an unbeaten Kentucky team in 2015, sending the Badgers to the national championship game for the first time in nearly 75 years.
During his collegiate career Kaminsky earned the Naismith, Associated Press, Oscar Robertson and John R. Wooden Player of the Year honors, and he still holds the Badgers’ single‑game scoring record with 43 points. After graduating, he was chosen ninth overall by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2015 NBA Draft and later reached the 2021 NBA Finals with the Phoenix Suns.
“Basketball has taken me to all these different parts of the world,” Kaminsky said in a statement. “Now that things start to slow down, I get to really sit back and think about it and enjoy all the things I’ve accomplished. And be able to tell my story. And obviously Madison is such a huge part of that story. The UW has a super special place in my heart.”
Interim Chancellor Eric Wilcots praised the selection, noting, “What a thrill to have Frank Kaminsky back on campus. He brought joy to so many Badger fans during his time here. Frank left UW and went on to achieve his highest dreams and potential. His is an inspiring story, and I know his commencement message will be powerful for this year’s graduates.”
The winter commencement ceremony, which traditionally draws families, alumni and community members from across the region, will be held in early 2026; exact dates have not yet been released. UW‑Madison officials say the event will feature the usual slate of academic honors alongside Kaminsky’s address, offering graduates a memorable close to their university experience.
What’s next: Prospective attendees should watch the university’s website and local media for the official commencement schedule and ticketing information, expected to be posted in the coming months.
Sources: wmtv15news.com
