Graduation season is in full swing, and students nationwide are sitting through commencement addresses that they will likely forget the moment they’re handed a diploma. But a few recent commencement speakers have provided memorable moments — just not in the way they would have wanted. On Sunday, Eric Schmidt, the former CEO of Google, spoke at the University of Arizona’s graduation ceremony. In his speech, Schmidt said AI would touch every profession and every classroom. “I know what many of you are feeling about that. I can hear you,” Schmidt said to boos. Schmidt may not need cheering up, what with his tens of billions of dollars, but he could console himself with the fact that he is not the only recent graduation speaker who has caught flak over pro-AI remarks. Gloria Caulfield, a real estate executive, addressed students from the University of Central Florida in early May and told them that “the rise of artificial intelligence is the next Industrial Revolution.” Caulfield’s comments promptly sparked boos, which appeared to catch her off guard. “What happened?” she asked with nervous laughter. Scott Borchetta, the CEO and founder of record label Big Machine Records, spoke at the commencement for Middle Tennessee State University’s College of Media and Entertainment. In his speech, Borchetta said AI was a “tool and that we mustn’t be afraid of it” and pressed students to make use of it. As boos rained down from the crowd, Borchetta pushed back. “Deal with it,” he said. Read more about graduates’ strong reaction to AI: nymag.visitlink.me/c3tkdo

e.g. means for example. It is always followed by a comma. i.e. is the abbreviation for the Latin "id est" or that is (to say). It is always followed by a comma, as well.

Next Thurs., 4/23, join me & my fabulous guest @sbrucecanada as we discuss crisis comms. Let me know what's on your minds re: communicating in a crisis - or preparing for one. Shawna would love to address anything you want to know! Streams live on YouTube & LI. Replay available