A low wall with the words Southern Illinois University Carbondale is seen on a grassy hill. Pulliam Hall is seen in the background.

April 01, 2025

SIU Student Speakers Forum on April 10 to focus on AI and humanity

by Pete Rosenbery

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Five Southern Illinois University Carbondale undergraduate students will share their thoughts on the growing influence of artificial intelligence in today’s society on Thursday, April 10, in Morris Library’s John C. Guyon Auditorium.

This semester’s topic is “Breaking the Algorithm: Humanity in a Data-Driven World.” The free, public forum is from 7 to 8 p.m.

The forums, which happen each semester, began in spring 2002.

“As we navigate a society increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence and automated decisions, this event invites us to question the balance between innovation and humanity,” said Franklin Kimmell, a third-year doctoral candidate and assistant introductory course coordinator in communication studies who is organizing the forum.

“The students will present persuasive speeches that challenge us to think critically about the role of technology in our future, the ethical dilemmas it creates and how we can ensure that the human experience remains at the forefront of progress.”

AI’s impact on society

The five students are tackling the topic from a variety of perspectives such as the evolving relationship between humans and AI; the role of AI in art, music and design; AI’s usefulness in classrooms, and its environmental footprint.

“Through these speeches, the event will spark critical conversations about the balance between technological advancement and ethical responsibility in an increasingly data-driven world,” Kimmell said.

Chosen from auditions, students who deliver 6- to 8-minute speeches will each receive a $100 scholarship from the Society for Civil Discourse.

Showcasing aspiring talent

The forum is sponsored by the School of Communication Studies and the Society for Civil Discourse. The society was founded in 1999, when SIU Carbondale alumna Barbara Jane Schwartz of Makanda established an endowment to provide space for students to be able to freely engage in civil discourse and support opportunities for students to exchange opinions and beliefs in topics of interest about the Carbondale campus and society.

The students who will speak are:

  • Mason Lipe, freshman, English education, Goreville, Illinois — Topic/thesis: “Technology in teaching: How AI is useful in a classroom.”
  • Fern Lyon, sophomore, art with a specialization in communication design, Willowbrook, Illinois — Topic/thesis: “AI’s place in art and design.”
  • Macey Schuppel, freshman, mechanical engineering, Springfield, Illinois — Topic/thesis: “AI generated music: How is it affecting our creative economy.”
  • Abraham Robledo, senior, automotive technology, Joliet, Illinois — Topic/thesis: “The environmental cost of AI.”
  • Quincy Washington, freshman, computer engineering, Flossmoor, Illinois — Topic/thesis: “The connection between humans and AI.”

There will be a catered reception following the forum in the rotunda outside of the auditorium. For more information on the event, contact Kimmell at franklin.kimmell@siu.edu.