Michael Phelps will be awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Michigan at the 2026 Spring Commencement Ceremony. The ceremony is scheduled to take place on May 2nd inside Michigan Stadium.
Phelps trained at Michigan under Bob Bowman and took some classes but did not graduate with a degree. He studied sports marketing and management. He was a professional athlete at the time, so he was not allowed to swim in the NCAA but instead swam representing Club Wolverine. He also served as a volunteer assistant for Michigan during his time there from 2004-2008.
The 40 year old is the most decorated Olympian of all-time with 28 total medals, including 23 of those being gold. He swam at five consecutive Olympics, spanning from 2000-2016. He retired after the 2016 Rio Olympics.
The most decorated Olympian remains a Michigan fan, and served as a guest picker on College Gameday back in September 2024 when the football program hosted Texas. He also served as an honorary captain for the football program in 2022 in their game against Penn State.
Phelps will be one of five people earning honorary degrees this spring. Also earning them is Jalen Rose, Shirin Ebadi, Ingeborg Hochmair, and Ron Weiser. Rose, a former Michigan basketball player and member of the “Fab Five,” will serve as the Commencement Speaker.
I thought 1 April was still 11 days away…..
Why. He never went to school there and certainly didn’t graduate. School and AD are a joke (disgrace).
This article provides a little context and insight into the topic: https://www.michigandaily.com/uncategorized/colleen-thomas-michael-phelps-gold-but-not-maize/
It’s similar to LeBron and Ohio State. LeBron is an Ohio State fan, but he’s not an alumnus or former student athlete. LeBron has been a benefactor of the University and has done a lot of charitable giving in Ohio, specifically Akron. So he has that connection as a reason for an honorary degree.
Phelps on the other hand was technically a student as he enrolled in classes but never on track to a degree. Also, he actually trained at the physical location, and was a volunteer coach. But I think it’d be hard to call him a Michigan athlete.
Both have… Read more »
I mean I get a general honorary degree, but why law?
He does have “experience” with the legal system?
OK, I’m a huge MP fan, but isn’t this a little bit over the top??
ok but why?
not that far off from his previously professed major
https://deadspin.com/how-will-8-gold-medals-help-michael-phelps-prodigious-c-5039673/
Interesting as he didn’t attend classes and smoked a lot of weed and had strippers to his condo often. Great talent and GOAT in pool but this is a stretch.
anyone remember that freaky 2014 story?…
about time MP