President Steenkamp: The future is human

These days, AI is everywhere. I'd wager more than a few of our graduates crossing the stage last week used it to plan their Convocation celebrations or even decide what to wear for the big day.

It's been top-of-mind for me lately. I see enormous opportunities. But when I think about what matters most, I keep coming back to something simple: Whatever the future looks like, it will require human thought, creativity and ingenuity.

That was part of my message to graduates last week.

And as I shook each of their hands, and shared space with their families and loved ones, one thing became strikingly clear - there is no replacement for human connection; it's hardwired into us.

You can hear more of my message and watch some very heartfelt human moments in my 2026 Fall Convocation video.