Spring 2023

A young woman stands nose-to-nose with a robot.

Facing the future

It's no longer a sci-fi plot line; artificial intelligence is rapidly workin gits way into everyday life. Western's AI experts explore how generative technology is opening up a new world of possibility as well as ethical concerns for our future.

Dear friends and colleagues,

With the rapid release of artificial intelligence tools in recent months, the ethical implications of products like ChatGPT, Google鈥檚 Bard and other communication tools are coming into question. Will artificial intelligence expand the opportunities for or improve the efficiency of the way we communicate? How can we harness this tool to improve our world when there are so few regulations to monitor its use or prevent abuse?

Artificial intelligence and humanity can fit hand-in-glove when there鈥檚 a balance of one helping the other improve. At Western, we鈥檙e extensively researching these tools to see how they can be best utilized in higher education to encourage our students to achieve a higher level of critical thinking and improve their communication skills.

澳门六合彩官网直播 President Edward Montgomery stands at a podium in his graduation regalia.

Some of us have lived long enough to remember the ethical debate about permitting the use of hand-held calculators in classrooms in the late 1970s鈥攖he argument being that such an instrument would interrupt the learning of fundamentals or perhaps would promote cheating.

Today, calculators have become so commonplace that everyone takes their use for granted inside and outside of the classroom. The device became known as just a tool for students to use no different than a pencil or a microscope. It is seldom seen as a device for cheating. Fast forward 50 years: Will ChatGPT and other AI platforms be a 鈥╪ew 鈥渃alculator?鈥

Broncos are built to be curious and to want to share that thirst for knowledge with the world, and new technology can help them do that. Take first-year environmental sustainability student and Finch Greenhouse caretaker Jacob Soule. Now with 27 million likes and a million followers on TikTok, he鈥檚 imparting green-thumb knowledge to novice gardeners around the world.

Meanwhile, the financial expertise of Dr. Onur Arugaslan, professor of finance and co-director of the Sanford Center for Financial Planning and Wellness, is sought after as rising prices grip Americans and beyond and the importance of planning for retirement becomes even more critical. A Bankrate survey finds more than half of Americans say they are behind on retirement savings, making this a most worthwhile discussion.

Forget about inflation, it鈥檚 our graduates in the College of Aviation who are really soaring. Alumnus Steve Denomme has built a storied career as a captain for Delta Airlines. First beginning his time in the industry pulling planes in and out of the hangar at the college, he鈥檚 propelled himself through industry-rattling moments like 9/11, the recession, pandemic鈥攅ven the blackout of 2003. Through it all, he persevered using his knowledge and experiences in our top-ranked aviation program.

As society continues to adapt to change, the students, alumni, faculty and staff at Western are on the cutting edge of technological advancements and ideas to make this world a better place. While new technology can induce anxiety and even fear of change, it is new ideas, new knowledge that can offer opportunities for advancement and growth. You need both to thrive, and at Western, we will remain strong for years to come.

Sincerely,

Edward Montgomery written in cursive
Edward Montgomery, PhD
President
 
A photo of a jockey riding a race horse in the Kentucky Derby with an inset photo of two men holding up a winning Kentucky Derby trophy.

Unbridled success

Western alumni Chase Chamberlin, BBA 鈥12, and Brian Doxtator, BBA 鈥04, are celebrating a big Kentucky Derby win with Mage. They went from business Broncos to Kentucky Derby dynamoswith their creation of Commonwealth, an innovative investment group that revolutionized ownership by allowing fans to purchase shares of a horse.
James Rhodes standing in front of the Bronco statue in his cap and gown while holding his six degrees from Western.

The ultimate Bronco

The journey to earning a degree is a feat for any student. For Dr. James Rhodes, he鈥檚 mastered it鈥攕ix times鈥攁nd all at Western.
A group of new graduates huddles together for a selfie photo.

Promise made, promise fulfilled

Nearly 50 Kalamazoo Promise Scholars graduated from Western in spring 2023, marking the largest cohort of graduating Broncos yet for the organization.
Fred Upton celebrates at the podium during commencement.

'One of my highest callings'

Longtime U.S. Congressman Fred Upton received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree at spring commencement, following 36 years of service in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Pilot Steve Denomme stands in the aisle of an airplane.

Alumni Profile

I would not be where I am today without Western and its mentors. I spread that message whenever and wherever I can.
Delta pilot Steve Denomme, BS '00
Stock ticker in hallway.

Expert Insights: Planning for the future

Think you need millions for retirement? Maybe not, says Dr. Onur Arugaslan, professor of finance. 鈥淭hanks to the 鈥榩ower of compounding鈥 as we call it in finance, even humble deposits grow to significant amounts over a long investment horizon," he says.
David Sluyter stands in front of a lake.

Why I Give

I've reached the age when I can finally admit I'm getting older. It was time to figure out the kind of legacy I wanted to leave, and supporting students striving to help sustain natural wilderness areas just made sense.
—David Sluyter, MA '69, EdD '80
澳门六合彩官网直播's football team runs out onto the field behind new coach Lance Taylor.

Spring in their step

The Broncos are ready for battle, led onto the field at Waldo Stadium for the annual Spring Showcase by new coach Lance Taylor.