Billie Jean King, the tennis champion and longtime advocate for gender and pay equality, graduates from California State University, Los Angeles at age 82, completing a Bachelor of Arts in history she began more than six decades earlier. Multiple outlets report that King first took classes at Cal State LA in the early 1960s, then left in 1964 to focus on her rapidly advancing tennis and professional career. After returning to complete her studies last year, she walks across the stage on May 18 to receive the degree.
The news coverage describes King’s commencement appearance at Cal State LA, where she graduates alongside other members of the Class of 2026. Outlets also cite her graduation remarks, including encouragement for others to pursue education regardless of age. In recounting her broader legacy, the reports note that King has won 39 Grand Slam titles and is recognized with major U.S. honors, while her activism has helped advance public efforts toward equality in sport. Los Angeles Times reports she also delivers a commencement speech, while other accounts focus on the long gap between initial enrollment and completing the diploma.
