Media Executive Ben Sherwood Addresses LMU Graduate Commencement Ceremony, Encourages Graduates to "Live the Questions"

Ben Sherwood, CEO and publisher of The Daily Beast, addressed Loyola Marymount University master's and doctoral degree candidates at their commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 17. He encouraged graduates to "live the questions" as they navigate an increasingly AI-driven world.

In his address, Sherwood drew on experiences from his career in journalism, personal loss, and executive leadership, sharing reflections on human connection, purpose, and the importance of navigating life's unanswered questions with curiosity rather than fear.

Sherwood discussed the impact of artificial intelligence, highlighting that while machines can generate answers and create various forms of content, they cannot replicate the human experience. "You are graduating into a world transformed by AI. Machines can now prepare essays, codes, images, music, beer, strategy, human conversation. But there is one thing they cannot do. They cannot live a human life," he said.

He emphasized that ambiguity is an essential part of being human. "The moments that felt like detours were the roads. The people you held onto were the point. That the questions you lived your way into were the answers." Sherwood also stated that "connection is survival," reinforcing the idea that the answers to life's questions lie in relationships with others.

Sherwood, who has made significant contributions to media and culture, closed his remarks by encouraging graduates to foster connections and embrace learning. He is known for his strategic partnership with Barry Diller and his previous roles at Disney Media Networks and Disney ABC Television Group. He is also the founder and former CEO of MOJO, a platform aimed at making youth sports more accessible.

The commencement celebration on LMU's Westchester campus included nearly 3,000 students participating across three events, with tennis champion and entrepreneur Venus Williams serving as the keynote speaker for the undergraduate ceremony and Judge Anthony Devos Johnstone addressing law graduates in the afternoon.