Winter 2014 Auction Closing Feb 7
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/8/2014
While most college basketball stars who leave school to pursue their NBA dreams never return to finish their degrees, Michael Jordan did just that. After leaving the University of North Carolina in 1984, the superstar returned to Chapel Hill and finished his degree in 1986, shortly before setting the NBA record for most points scored in a playoff game. Not your ordinary senior on campus!
MJ's official University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill academic record (College Transcript) is printed on light blue and white letterhead and bears the stamped signature of David C. Lanier, University Registrar. The document, ordered by Jordan in September of 1999 specifically for display in his "23" restaurant, lists his full name "Jordan, Michael Jeffery" and that it was "ISSUED TO STUDENT Michael Jeffery Jordan". The 8 1/2" x 11" page lists all 45 classes Jordan took in pursuit of his undergraduate degree. Courses include everything from "Elementary Portuguese" and "Beginning Tennis" in his freshman year to "Map Interpretation" and Changing Human Environment" in his senior year. The document lists Jordan's graduation date as "12/31/1986" and his major as "GEOGRAPHY".
This was once displayed in Jordan's "23" restaurant in Chapel Hill, the location of UNC and which made such a document as this especially appealing. After the closing of "23", the Jordan memorabilia which was on display was stored in a public storage facility, and this item was obtained when the contents of the storage unit was purchased at public auction. This letter and three other documents were obtained from the storage facility after the "23" restaurant closed, with the other three documents being offered as Lot 6, 7 and 8 in this catalog.
The original 11 1/2" x 14 1/4" metal frame shows wear and scuffs from many years of storage, but the curriculum and matte have been well-protected by the glass. The frame's back has the original "Framemakers" label attached (Framemakers is the acknowledged specialists in framing UNC diplomas for generations of Chapel Hill graduates). Despite the wear on the frame and to preserve the integrity and provenance of the item, it remains in its original form as it was displayed at 'Jordan's 23'. A true one of a kind rarity which was "ISSUED TO STUDENT Michael Jeffery Jordan".