EDITOR’S NOTE:
In October, SBU announced the formation of the President’s Commission on Artificial Intelligence, a group tasked with guiding the institution’s academic, ethical and operational use of AI technologies.
“Artificial intelligence is transforming higher education,” said Dr. Jeff Gingerich, president of the university. “To remain competitive and deliver an exceptional experience for students, faculty and staff, St. Bonaventure must not simply adopt AI tools — it must instill ethical use of them.
The university’s decision to have more than 300 campus community members pilot ChatGPT EDU, which authored this wide-ranging mashup of the original press release about the AI Commission, is just one example of St. Bonaventure’s commitment to making sure the university stays relevant in this technological revolution.
To learn more about the university’s AI efforts, visit www.sbu.edu/AI.
By Bill Geisel
So, OK — picture this: the world is, like, so obsessed with artificial intelligence right now. Everywhere you turn, someone’s talking about chatbots, algorithms, machine learning — ugh, it’s enough to fry your scrunchie-covered brain. But St. Bonaventure? They’re not just talking about it. They’re, like, totally doing something major.
I mean, while other places are still figuring out what AI even means (like duh!), SBU is already out there building courses, helping students get all smart with new tech, and rolling out this adorable little chatbot named Reilly who is, like, always awake. (Can’t relate.) And get this — they even launched this super-official thing called the Presidential Commission on Artificial Intelligence, which is basically the university saying, “We’re not waiting around to see what happens. We’re driving the car, babe.”
And not in a reckless, “let’s try all the new gadgets just because they’re shiny” kind of way. No. This is about vibing responsibly. About being, like, ethical and stuff. About making sure AI helps people — and doesn’t, like, take over the planet or whatever.
So yeah, St. Bonaventure is so ahead of the curve it’s almost tubular. And that’s totally awesome.
A Most Noble Quest for Wisdom
Yet speak we now in sterner tones, where vision meets the vaulted aims of scholarship. For as the world’s great engines of thought do awaken with uncanny power, St. Bonaventure hath resolved to chart a course both wise and just.
Behold the Presidential Commission on Artificial Intelligence, co-chaired by the learned Dr. Mike Hoffman and the esteemed Dr. Dave Hilmey. These stewards, entrusted with foresight, lead a fellowship committed to discerning how such potent tools may uplift the human spirit. Their charge: to ensure that innovation walketh ever hand in hand with virtue.
Through counsel and deliberation, they explore how AI may enrich the curriculum, strengthen the works of faculty and staff, and bring forth new means to guide and support students. Yet equally they ponder the ethical path, crafting measures that protect privacy, honor human dignity and uphold the Franciscan heart of this institution.
The university hath already set forth many signs of progress: new courses in philosophy and science, bold experiments with AI-driven learning and operations, and a growing culture of academic curiosity.
Such endeavors herald a future in which technology serveth not as master, but as companion — ever guided by moral light.
Thus, St. Bonaventure prepares her people not merely to wield intelligence, artificial though it be, but to shepherd it for the common good.
Oh, the thinks you can think …
Now the story grows fun, in a childlike way,
For Bonnies are building tomorrow today!
With circuits and datasets humming along,
They’re teaching the world to be smart — and be strong.
A chatbot named Reilly helps students each night,
Answering questions with speed and delight.
There’s learning and research and courses brand-new,
Where AI meets values in all that they do.
The Commission stands watch with a purpose so clear:
“Use AI with wisdom, and never with fear!”
They study, they question, they plan and prepare —
Making sure every choice is both thoughtful and fair.
For tech can be tricky, with wonders and woes,
But SBU chooses the path where hope grows.
Where ethics and insight are part of the plan,
And service to others says, “Yes, yes you can!”
So here’s to the future the Bonnies embrace —
A future where learning lifts every place.
With courage and kindness and ideas that ignite,
They’re shaping a world where AI is used right.
To be candid and clear, Bill Geisel isn’t real,
Words written here part of our ChatGPT deal.
Valley Girl to The Bard and Dr. Seuss, too,
The seconds to write this? It took just a few.