It’s been over two decades since Marquette made it to the Final Four. The guy who made it happen, Dwyane Wade has not forgotten his routes. His connection to his college runs deep. His academic performance wasn’t as top notch as his basketball skills. With low college prospects, he took the best college offer which was from Marquette. The proud Golden Eagle now helps kids who are in the same position he once was through his university’s summer program. He stopped by the latest camp to give these kids some major motivation.

Marquette was ecstatic to share their favorite alum’s visit on social media. “Look who stopped by Marquette’s summer reading camp this week? Dwyane Wade!” they wrote with pictures from the event they credit to D-Wade. “Wade started the school’s reading program to help kids get the summer tutoring HE wishes HE had at their age…” Officially called the Tragil Wade-Johnson Summer Reading Program, named after Dwyane’s sister, it was held for kids between 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grades this month with another edition in July.

They also revealed the inspiration behind his initiative is his start at Marquette. “His freshman year at Marquette (2001) — Wade couldn’t play basketball because his grades weren’t high enough…And look at him now!” Now he’s an NBA legend with three championship rings, a hall-of-famer about to get a statue outside the Miami Heat home, Oscar-nominated producer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. You wouldn’t have known he’d reach this point when he was still a teen.

Amid a difficult childhood and home life, young Wade only had three college offers due to low ACT scores. While he opted for the Milwaukee school, he had to sit out his first season due to the NCAA’s academic eligibility rules. With a lot of effort and tutoring, he raised his academic standing to make his collegiate debut in his sophomore year in the 2001-02 season.

The following season he led the Golden Eagles to their first Final Four appearance since 1977. A feat the program is yet to repeat. He was excited this year when Marquette made it to the Sweet 16 rounds. He definitely bleeds Marquette and he’s showing it.

Dwyane Wade’s Marquette legacy is unmatched

Apart from defying Beyonce’s silver dress code to her concert to wear Marquette colors, Dwyane Wade has shown his loyalty in different ways. This summer program is the most prominent connection he maintains with his alma mater. It began in 2015 under a different name funded by the Wade’s World Foundation. Fresh grads and newly licensed teachers from Marquette’s College of Education tutor the young kids. The program gives these new teachers some professional experience too.

Wade drops by the program almost every year. He’s far from the token patron. In January, when the Golden Eagles were playing against Villanova, he was at the game and pledged $3 million to Marquette. The gift is expected to grow the reading program and also establish the Wade Scholars program for low-income students. He also contributed to improving the athletic facilities and basketball program. While the new practice facility is in its planning stage, it’s already decided it will be named after Wade.

If we could meet young D-Wade, not earning major D1 offers, and earning his spot on the Golden Eagles squad, we’d say, ‘you made it.’