He’s one of the world’s greatest athletes, a basketball legend revered for the grace of his three-pointers, the seemingly effortless art of the swish. That’s the superficial snapshot of Stephen Curry, the NBA’s current MVP.

The Davidson College community carries a much longer scorecard.

Davidson’s Curry uses his talent, fame and money to help the less fortunate with access to healthy food, medical care, books and athletic opportunities. He models the message that education matters; that what you do off the court means the most; that your net worth is defined by what you give back.

And that you keep your word.

Curry ’10 walked across the stage at Belk Arena on Wednesday to receive the diploma he had been working towards for 16 years, fulfilling a promise he had made to himself. The Davidson College community came together to commemorate his graduation, induction into the Davidson Hall of Fame, and the retirement of his jersey bearing the number 30.

While eight other Wildcats have had their jerseys retired in the past, this marks the first time the college has retired a specific number. The “Curry for 3” event filled the gym with Curry’s loved ones, including family, friends, former teammates, classmates, as well as the college’s current student body, faculty, and staff. Together, they celebrated Curry’s remarkable journey from being a relatively overlooked teenager to becoming a basketball icon, devoted family man, and philanthropist.

The town also joined in the festivities, adorning fences, roofs, and windows of local homes and businesses with banners expressing congratulations to #30 and celebrating Curry’s achievements.

A procession of professors and college leaders, adorned in traditional commencement attire, made their way through the arena to commence the ceremony. The enthusiastic crowd, clad in black and red, with many donning Davidson “30” jerseys, erupted into a joyous and lively standing ovation as Curry entered, dressed in cap and gown.

College President Doug Hicks expressed immense pride in welcoming Curry as part of their community, emphasizing Davidson’s role as his steadfast support system and cheering squad. Hicks highlighted the college’s commitment to nurturing students with humane instincts and cultivating disciplined and creative minds for lives dedicated to leadership and service. He affirmed that Curry exemplifies these principles in action.

Throughout the ceremony, numerous ovations ensued, with a particularly thunderous roar of applause when Curry proudly exhibited his Davidson diploma and tossed his graduation cap into the air.

“Seeing this many people…seeing these familiar faces, these friends, these people who believed in me,” Curry said in an emotional speech. “Davidson lives with me and in me. This community is special. I can’t begin to thank you all enough for showing up for me every step of the way.”

Keeping His Promise

Davidson loves its basketball.

And Curry played it magically as he led the Wildcats to an improbable spot in the NCAA’s Elite Eight in 2008. He became the college’s all-time leading scorer and was named an All-American in his third year.

There was some heartbreak—his own and college fans’—when he opted to forego his senior year after being drafted by the Golden State Warriors. But he promised his mom, Sonya Curry, and then-Head Coach Bob McKillop that he’d complete his degree someday.