Basketball legend and now-business mogul and entrepreneur Earvin “Magic” Johnson will be coming back to Southwest Michigan to speak during Lake Michigan College’s Speaker Series.
In announcing its 33rd season of performing arts and speaker events, Lake Michigan College officials pleasantly surprised with a season opener of Earvin “Magic” Johnson as the first Lake Michigan College Speaker Series guest on Friday, Aug. 23.
“We’ve built this season based on the type and timing of programming that has been the most successful over the past few seasons, as well as on feedback from our patrons,” stated George Kendall, executive director of the LMC Mendel Center. “The focused schedule offers a diverse selection of high-quality speakers, stage productions, and family programming that will provide enriching and entertaining experiences for audiences.”
Johnson has publicly visited the Benton Harbor area in the past, including a 2016 tour where he provided inspirational talks and visited area schools to talk with students about the formula for success in basketball, business, and life (spoiler alert: practice plays a big part).
Others slated to appear at LMC during either the Speaker Series or the Discovery Series include former FDNY 9/11 survivor Tim Brown, Marshall Charloff & The Purple xPeRIeNCE, Lt. Col. Dan Rooney, USAF, and the United States Army Field Band & Soldiers’ Chorus.
The 2024-2025 LMC Mendel Center season lineup:
LAKE MICHIGAN COLLEGE SPEAKER SERIES
Earvin “Magic” Johnson
Entrepreneur, 2x Basketball Hall of Famer
Friday, Aug. 23
Grand Upton Hall
Tim Brown
Former FDNY 9/11 Survivor
Monday, Sept. 23, 7:30 p.m.
Hanson Theatre
Marshall Charloff & The Purple xPeRIeNCE
Friday, Oct. 25, 8 p.m.
Jenkins Theatre
Lt. Col. Dan Rooney, USAF
Fighter Pilot, PGA Professional, Patriotic Philanthropist, and Author of “Fly into the Wind: How to Harness Faith and Fearlessness on Your Ascent to Greatness”
Thursday, Nov. 7, 7:30 p.m.
Hanson Theatre
DISCOVERY SERIES
Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland
Saturday, Dec. 7, 7:30 p.m.
Jenkins Theatre
The United States Army Field Band & Soldiers’ Chorus
Tuesday, April 8, 2025, 7:30 p.m.
Jenkins Theatre
The Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience
Sunday, April 27, 2025, 2 & 6 p.m.
Jenkins Theatre
Tickets for the Lake Michigan College Mendel Center 2024-2025 season are available:
July 8 – Pre-sale for the previous season’s series ticket holders
July 15 – Individual events go on sale to the public
Mendel Center Series ticket packages are available by purchasing three or more eligible events. Series benefits include a 10% discount on most events, ticket pre-sale opportunities, and exclusive services.
To purchase tickets or learn more visit www.TheMendelCenter.com.
