Day of Discoveries

When classes are canceled for the day but it’s a struggle to choose between all the learning opportunities, it’s Scholars’ Showcase day at Graceland University!

In this April tradition, student scholars from all class years and academic disciplines present their work to the campus community and guests. The 2024 edition kicked off with a cup of coffee and light breakfast, a warm welcome, and an expert alumni speaker in Newcom Student Union.

Alumnus Ayman Husain (Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering ’95) a seasoned technology professional now working in artificial intelligence (AI) at Google, gladly followed the invitation to return to his alma mater and took the audience on an exploration of generative artificial intelligence in the working world. With his passion for all things AI, its business applications, and broader implications, Husain vividly illustrated how it can act as a catalyst for innovation, transformation, and success. Like any superpower, he emphasized, AI needs to be used with due diligence, competence—and for the good of technological advancement, social progress, and human development.

Tying into Husain’s keynote, a student-led panel took up the topic of AI. In an insightful discussion round, the students zoomed in on personal experiences with AI and examined the individual’s responsibilities when it comes to implementing the tools it provides in daily life, study and work.

Following those sessions, students spread out across campus. The program schedule was an impressive portfolio covering every interest area: business from sports to agriculture, economics, health, science and technology, sociology, psychology, history, education, arts and media production. Just as at every professional conference, the crowd experienced the agony of choosing which display, presentation, or demonstration to attend at what time slot in which building.

In the gymnasium, halls, and classrooms, student scholars proudly shared how they took a closer look, dug deeper, researched and developed, created and concluded. Their creative, scholarly and artistic work, community activities and case studies were inspired by coursework with their professors and mentors, their own biographies, social issues calling for attention and awareness, scientific or technical problems waiting to be solved.

Explore this year’s scholars line-up here. The 2024 Scholar’s Showcase will also be featured in the upcoming issue of Horizons Magazine!