#United States #Los Angeles #Loyola Marymount #Ben Sherwood #Judge Johnstone

Notable Speakers at LMU Graduation 2026

Loyola Marymount University (LMU) has announced an exciting lineup of speakers for its upcoming commencement ceremonies, scheduled for May 17, 2026. The university will welcome prominent figures from media and law, further cementing its commitment to providing students with inspiring role models as they celebrate their achievements.

Ben Sherwood: Keynote Address at Graduate Commencement

Ben Sherwood, the CEO and publisher of The Daily Beast, will be the keynote speaker at the graduate commencement ceremony on the morning of May 17. With a storied career in media, Sherwood has been recognized for his innovative approaches and impactful contributions to journalism. Previously, he served as the co-chairman of Disney Media Networks and president of Disney ABC Television Group, where he played a pivotal role in navigating the company through the transformative streaming era.

As president of ABC News, he led the network to unprecedented success in ratings and profitability, making significant strides in broadcast journalism. His tenure included forming key partnerships that broadened the network's reach, such as collaborations with Univision and Yahoo. Sherwood's entrepreneurial spirit is also evident in his founding of MOJO, a platform aimed at making youth sports more accessible, which was later acquired by TeamSnap.

His accolades extend beyond the business realm; he is also a bestselling author, having written The Survivors Club and several novels. Sherwood is a proud graduate of Harvard College and a Rhodes Scholar, which highlights his dedication to education and intellectual engagement.

Judge Anthony Devos Johnstone: Address at Loyola Law School Commencement

In the afternoon of the same day, Judge Anthony Devos Johnstone will give the address at the Loyola Law School commencement. As a judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, Johnstone has been recognized for his intellectual rigor and commitment to justice. Appointed to the bench in 2023, he previously served as Montana's Solicitor General and demonstrated his legal prowess by representing the state in crucial appellate cases—the skills he honed as a professor at the University of Montana, where he taught key legal subjects.

Johnstone's expertise in constitutional law and his experience clerking for Supreme Court Justice David Souter have given him a profound understanding of the judicial process. His judicial philosophy emphasizes a balanced and fair interpretation of the law, making him a respected figure in the legal community.

The Commencement Weekend

As nearly 3,000 graduates prepare to don their caps and gowns, the commencement weekend at LMU promises to be an engaging and celebratory event. Set to take place at the scenic Sunken Garden on the LMU Westchester campus, the ceremonies will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person.

For more information regarding the commencement events and speakers, LMU encourages friends, family, and the community to join in celebrating the accomplishments of the graduates during this significant milestone. Visit LMU Commencement for further details and updates.

These keynotes reflect LMU's dedication to providing students with a diverse array of perspectives and experiences that can inspire their future endeavors. As Sherwood and Johnstone take the stage in May, their respective stories of success will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the graduating class of 2026, motivating them to pursue their dreams with creativity and integrity.