Critical Issues Symposium

Beyond the Algorithm: AI’s Impact on Our World
Wednesday, September 24, 2025

This year’s symposium will dive into topics surrounding artificial intelligence. We are excited to invite Jose Antonio Bowen to Hope’s campus to deliver the keynote speech. Jose is a leading expert in higher education, teaching and leading innovation and change. Breakout rooms will dive into deeper topics surrounding artificial intelligence, including its impacts on the healthcare industry, software development, education, communication and business ethics.

Daytime classes are canceled to allow students, faculty and staff the opportunity to attend the keynote address and take part in afternoon breakout sessions.

10–11 a.m. — Keynote Lecture

• Jose Antonio Bowen
  Author of Teaching with AI: A Practical Guide to a New Era of Human Learning
  Jack H. Miller Auditorium

11:30–1 p.m. — Break for Lunch

1–1:45 p.m. — Breakout Sessions
(Choose One)

• “How AI lets you be a software developer and has changed how we do it!”
  Dr. Ryan McFall and Dr. Brian Yurk
  Graves Auditorium
  
• “AI in Healthcare”
  Dr. Erika Frost and Dr. Fiddy Davis
  Schaap Auditorium
  
  
• “Artificial Intelligence, Artificial Impressions? Critical Issues in Human-Machine Communication”
  Dr. Austin Beattie
  DePree Auditorium

2–2:45 p.m. — Breakout Sessions
(Choose One)

• “AI Reframing”
  Dr. Elizabeth Grimm
  Schaap Auditorium
  
  
• “The Wisdom to Know the Difference: When to Trust AI, When to Trust Humans, and How to Tell”
  Professor Mark Micheli
  Graves Auditorium

3–3:45 p.m. — Endnote Lecture

• “A Journey to Knowledge: From Zelda Guides to AI Coaches”
  Zachary Adams
  Jack H. Miller Auditorium