The Leatherby Libraries is proud to present a reference desk display in honor of businessman and former professional basketball player Earvin “Magic’ Johnson. Johnson hosted a discussion at the Musco Center for The Arts on Friday, September 22nd, 2023.

Magic Johnson led the NBA Los Angeles Lakers to five NBA Finals championships. The nickname “Magic” came from Johnson’s entertaining and unique ball-handling skills that he honedwhile playing basketball in high school. Even during his famous basketball career, Johnson was always interested in economic development and entrepreneurship, hence Magic’s invitation to be part of the Dean’s Distinguished Lecture Series sponsored by the Dean of the Argyros College of Business and Economics (ABCE), Dr. Henrik Cronquist. 

Johnson has proven himself to be a prosperous businessman, and took the lessons that he learned and put them into 32 Ways to Be a Champion in Business, which outlines how readers can become successful community leaders in business. This informative book is included in the reference desk display.

This display is curated by Leatherby Libraries student employees Arianna Tillman ’25, Isabella Piechota ’25, and Kalea Brown ’26.