Gonzaga University's second annual Value & Responsibility in AI Technologies Conference
Date/Time: Thursday, April 23, 2026 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Location: Hemmingson Ballroom
This year’s conference will address three themes through panels and discussions with industry leaders, educators, scholars and healthcare leadership; Personal Identity and Meaning, Learning and Education, and the Future of the Workforce. Look for additional events and workshops throughout the week of April 20-24.
Who Should Attend?
This event convenes scholars, students, thought leaders in education, INW industry professionals and global tech leaders to explore the impact of AI on our identity, educational practices, and the evolving landscape of work.
- Gonzaga Faculty, Staff and Students: Free
- Other (non-GU) students: $10
- Educators (K-12 teachers, Other University employees): $35
- Industry and General Public: $75
Join industry leaders, educators and innovators exploring the intersection of AI, ethics, and industry through our upcoming flagship conference and workshops.
Conference Agenda
| Time | Topic |
| 8 a.m. | Registration check-in open Coffee, fruit and pastries |
| 9 a.m. | Welcome, Dr. Jay Yang, Reisenauer Family Director | Institute for Informatics and Applied Technology | 9:10 a.m. | Opening remarks, Katia Passerini, Gonzaga President |
| 9:30 a.m. | A Jesuit approach to Responsible AI, Dr. Anthony Fisher, Ph.D, Department of Philosophy, Gonzaga |
How might our sense of self and human autonomy be shaped by AI? Explore how individuals and society can cultivate flourishing and authenticity in a world increasingly influenced by intelligent tech.
| Time | Topic |
| 10 a.m. | Guided Discussion |
| 10:15 a.m. | Panel on faith and spirituality in the age of AI Moderator: Anthony Fisher Panel: Fr. Tim Clancy, SJ, Gonzaga; Fr. Brendan McGuire, Saint Simon Church; Fr. Evaristus Ekwueme, SJ, Georgetown |
| 11 a.m. | Student perspectives Moderator: Azer Bitanga, Senior, Business Administration Panel: Izzy Tilles, Senior, Computer Science; Kaelyn Wellman, Senior, Philosophy; Bella Realmuto, Senior, Political Science; Aiden O’Brien, Senior, Human Physiology; Kazu Betzler, MBA, Business |
| 11:45 a.m. | Lunch Break: Buffet Lunch Included with Registration |
Examine how AI is transforming learning strategies, teaching practices and driving pedagogical innovation. Consider how AI is disrupting traditional education, challenging the value of existing outcomes and creating opportunity for more customized and interactive experiences.
| Time | Topic |
| 1 p.m. | Educating in the Age of AI Moderator: Jay Yang, Ph.D, Director, Institute for Informatics at GU Panel:Anny Fritzen Case, Gonzaga; Casey Wilhelm, University of Idaho; Aaron Wolf, Colgate. |
| 1:45 p.m. | AI Technologies for Educators Moderator: Jay Yang, Ph.D, Director, Institute for Informatics at GU ZagAI, Gates Foundation |
| 2:30 p.m. | Break |
Ask how organizations are preparing leadership and individuals to navigate a rapidly evolving landscape of technologies, challenging not just how we work but the purpose of work itself. Discover how AI is transforming workforce expectations and redefining essential skills.
| Time | Topic |
| 3 p.m. | Professions, Professional Development and Leadership Moderator: Dave Reisenauer Panel: Brett Spooner, Gravis Law; Kellen Sorauf, Regis University; Matt Hoag, Gonzaga, Accounting; Grace Yee, Adobe |
| 3:45 p.m. | Healthcare in the Age of AI Moderator: Sean Kassen, title, Notre Dame Panel: Cyrus Olsen, title, Scranton; Mark Graves, USF; Jessica McHugh, title, MultiCare; Scott Hulse, title, USAF, MC. |
| 4:30 p.m. | Reflections with Anthony Fisher and Jay Yang |
| 5-6:30 p.m. | Student Research and Entrepreneurship Showcase Happy Hour Reception |