Students at St Lawrence University have been asked to prioritize innovation to tap into a wide range of opportunities that come with modern technology like Artificial Intelligence (AI) to tackle the unprecedented changing world.
Speaking during the 15th graduation ceremony of St. Lawrence University (SLAU), Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo informed graduands that the world outside these walls is changing at an unprecedented pace and AI is the way to go.
Alupo, who doubles as the SLAU Chancellor, told students to think of AI as a power collaborator, a tireless researcher, and a personalized tutor, which is always available to assist in the students’ learning journey.
She, however, warned students that embracing AI also requires a critical and responsible approach and that they must be mindful of its limitations, potential biases, and the ethical considerations surrounding its development and deployment.
“Your education has prepared you to navigate complex issues, and this includes the ethical dilemmas presented by the future of AI,” the vice president said.
She emphasised that students are the generation that will shape the future of AI, to ensure it serves humanity and promotes progress and prosperity of all people.
Alupo explained that the use of Artificial Intelligence in Education brings both opportunities and challenges, however to remain relevant, the Universities must constantly update their approaches, embrace new technologies and equip students with the flexible skills demanded by the future workforce.
She appreciated the Board of Directors of SLAU, the University Council and Management, for remaining resilient through challenges they have had to overcome.
She was particularly grateful to the stakeholders who have trusted and had confidence in the work going on in the university.
SLAU has passed out many students who are spread across the globe, making a contribution to the labour market, political arena, and society in general.
“Our products are guided to be God fearing on top of other portable skills. They are, therefore, well placed to face the labour market as ethical graduates,” she said.
Community Engagement
She congratulated the university for reaching out to the public, emphasizing that Universities are mandated to positively impact the lives of community members by helping them improve their livelihoods.
Alupo noted that the venture by the university into virgin fields like Event Management through training the DJs and Emcees to the level of being recognized by the Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT) is a remarkable milestone.
The university has also invested in supporting people with disabilities. Today, the university witnessed the service of a sign language interpreter who is a product of the university.
She implored the graduands to continue impacting lives of communities to enable them to live better lives.
Word to the Graduands
She assured graduands, that they were the reason they were here today. “This is a memorable day for you and your families. I thank you for the good work, which is evidenced by your graduation,” the vice president said.
She told graduands that departure from the University is just the beginning of their walk and asked them to go out but remain open to correction, counsel, and identify people of integrity to emulate.
“Take baby steps as you pursue success; don’t yearn to grow rich using dubious means, but work hard and be ready to account for what you obtain in life,”Alupo said.
She wished students peace of God, which surpasses all human understanding as they enter another level in their lives.
Over 500 students graduated with certificates, diplomas and degrees in various academic disciplines including; education, social works and social administration, mass communication, development studies, computer science, information technology and industrial art and design among others.
The graduation ceremony was organized under the theme, “Embracing artificial intelligence in contemporary higher education”.
Vice Chancellor Dr. Charles Masaba underscored the vital role played by AI in research, saying it has revolutionalising research methodologies, enabling faster data analysis, more accurate predictions, and the exploration of complex research questions across various disciplines.
He assured the audience that as a university, they are actively investing in AI research infrastructure and fostering collaborations to ensure we remain at the forefront of innovation.
The vice Chancellor emphasised that right now, they are exploring AI to address societal challenges and contribute to the betterment of our community.
Dr. Mike Sebalu, the chairman university Council stressed that the successful integration of AI in Higher Education requires a collaborative effort, with the university Council playing a central and decisive role.
He said by proactively addressing policy, oversight, budget, strategic direction, and management guidance, they can harness the transformative power of AI to enhance the quality of education, research, and administration at the university.
