Madison, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin‑Madison announced Monday that former men’s basketball standout Frank Kaminsky will serve as the keynote speaker for the Winter 2026 commencement ceremony. The selection underscores Kaminsky’s lasting connection to the campus and the broader Badger community.
Kaminsky’s Badger legacy
Kaminsky helped elevate Wisconsin basketball to national prominence, guiding the Badgers to back‑to‑back Final Four appearances in 2014 and 2015. In 2015, he posted a 20‑point, 11‑rebound performance in the upset of undefeated Kentucky, propelling the Badgers to the national championship game for the first time in nearly 75 years. His individual accolades that season included the Naismith, Associated Press, Oscar Robertson and John R. Wooden Player of the Year awards.
He also set a program‑record by scoring 43 points in a single game, a mark that still stands. After college, Kaminsky was selected ninth overall by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2015 NBA Draft and later reached the 2021 NBA Finals with the Phoenix Suns.
Why the keynote matters
“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 choice, noting that Kaminsky’s journey reflects the aspirations of today’s graduates. “What a thrill to have Frank Kaminsky back on campus. He brought joy to so many Badger fans during his time here,” Wilcots said. “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.”
Commencement selection process
The university’s senior class officers, in consultation with the Chancellor’s Office, select commencement speakers. This collaborative approach ensures that the chosen speaker resonates with both the graduating class and the broader university community.
Winter commencement ceremonies traditionally draw thousands of families, faculty, and alumni to the campus’s iconic Memorial Union and other venues. Kaminsky’s appearance is expected to draw additional attention from Badger fans and local residents who remember his on‑court heroics.
Looking ahead
Beyond delivering the keynote address, Kaminsky plans to spend time on campus meeting current students and sharing insights about balancing athletic ambition with academic pursuits. His presence serves as a reminder that the values of hard work, faith, and family—principles that guided his own journey—remain central to the Badger experience.
UW‑Madison’s Winter 2026 commencement is scheduled for late December, with the exact date to be confirmed. Graduates, families, and community members are encouraged to register early for seating and parking.
Original reporting: NBC15 WMTV (Gray) – local — read the source article.
