Marian University Hosts Symposium on the 21st Century’s Greatest Debate: “Who is in Control: Us or the Technology We Have Created?” 

In an age where algorithms influence what we see, hear and believe, are we still the decision-makers, or have we given the reins to AI? Marian University invites everyone to explore this question at its 18th annual Academic Symposium, “The Universal Impact of Technology and Communication: How Does It Influence Our Lives and the Lives of Our Leaders?”  The symposium will take place on Tuesday, March 25, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM, and Wednesday, March 26, 2025, 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM, on theMarian University of Wisconsin campus. 

 The symposium will feature a mix of presentations, panel discussions, and interactive sessions which include: 

• “The Universal Impact of Technology and Communication” Opening Panel on Tuesday, March 25, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM featuring keynote speakers Michael Doherty, Ph.D., Associate Professor at Marian; Daniel Dwyer, Ph.D., SSM Health; Aaron Sadoff, Marian University President; Jeffry Reed, Ph.D., Professor at Marian. 
• “Mindcraft: The Art of Positive Thinking RIGHT NOW!” Aaron Sadoff, President at Marian.
•  “Brain Chips and Brain Replacement: The Future of Football?” James Gray, J.D., Professor at Marian.
• “AI – The God of Society’s New Religion” Steve Kiszely, J.D., Adjunct at Marian.
• “Navigating the Ethical Landscape of AI” Joe Desiderio, Dean of Business, IT, and AI Innovation at Moraine Park Technical College.

All sessions are free and open to the public. They will be held at Marian University’s campus: 45 South National Avenue, in Fond du Lac. Please enter through the Welcome Center at the Stayer Center. 

For more information about the Marian University Academic Symposium, please visit the Marian University website: https://www.marianuniversity.edu/academic-symposium/

Marian University’s 18th Academic Symposium Program Schedule

March 25 & 26, 2025

Tuesday Evening Panel 

6:00 -7:30 pm

The Universal Impact of Technology and Communication: How does it Influence our Lives and Lives of our Leaders? 

Keynote Speaker: Michael Doherty 

Daniel Dwyer, Ph.D., Regional Director of Mission- SSM Health

Aaron Sadoff, President, Marian University

Jeffrey Reed, Ph.D., Former Dean, School of Business, Marian University

Stayer Auditorium

Facilitator: James Gray, J.D.

Welcome: Donna Innes, CSA, Ph.D.

Wednesday Session 1

8:00 am-8:50 am 

The Intersections of Leadership. AI, and Success 

Dr. Jennifer K. Farvour, Dean of Student Success, Marian University

As Harvard Business School professor Karim Lakhani stated, “AI won’t replace humans-but human with AI will replace humans without AI. “This insight highlights a potential question to ponder by leaders: Is embracing AI a necessity? Not only do leaders set the table for acceptable usage of AI, but also set the vision for the future. In this interactive session, we will discuss: what does it mean to be an “AI-First” Leader, the role of leaders with culture and AI usage, the influence of mid-level leaders, and how outcomes factor into the future of organizational success. 

Stayer Dining Room 

MindCraft – The Art of Positive Thinking RIGHT NOW!

Aaron Sadoff, President of Marian University

Get ready to utilize Real Intelligence and the technology of Positive Thinking to deal with the anxiety of the onslaught of AI! 

Stayer Auditorium

Wednesday Session 2

 9:00 am-9:50 am

Poster Session – Technology, Communication, and Leadership as related to Trauma and Resilience in Our Culture

Emma Anderson, Jennifer Armstrong, Kyle Beck, Alexia Betlinski, Jikke Biemans, Sandra Bobysud, Katelyn Bucciarelli, Irania Castillo, Tiffany Chisholm, Savannah Deida, Sage Garrison, Kayla Hernandez, Kylie Krueger, Emmett Marckese, Carson McClintock, Nicole Miller, Raegan Montello, Dana Pollom, Logan Rademan, Taylor Schaefer, Olivia Schueller, Megan Schultz, Sydnee Swiggum, Aiden Tegart, Jenna Ter Beest, Hannah Vick, Nevaeh Wagendorf, Tijana Williams, Derek Wills, Manuel Wuest, Marian University Students

Students in the Trauma and Resilience course have examined topics related to the symposium theme. In poster presentations they will present leaning on topics such as how technology can both be a source of trauma and a critical part of the treatment of trauma. Additionally, some students are looking at how trauma impacts leadership styles and highlighting leaders in resilience in our community. 

Stayer Dining Room

Brain Chips and Brain Replacement Could Ensure Football’s Survival: Is it worth it?

James Gray, J.D., Professor, Sports and Recreation Management and his Business Law Students

In order to thrive, as compared to merely survive, football will replace biological brains with synthetic ones where people can live forever. Is it worth it? 

Stayer Auditorium

The Impact of New Instruments on laboratory Experience and Communication of Data

Danielle Schaal, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Biology, Marian University

Within the laboratory often times students struggle to understand what is going on within the instrument. They add reagents and their samples into a “magic box”, and data come out. New technology has allowed researchers and instructors to shed light on these techniques overcoming a previous barrier. The new miniPCR instruments used within the genetics lab amplify target nucleic acid sequence into millions of copies via polymerase chain reaction and they regulate temperatures in a cyclical program. With Bluetooth connectivity and an easy-to-use intuitive app, students can monitor their PCR in real time on their phones or laptops. This allows us to bridge the gap between generating samples and generating data. Students can truly learn and appreciate what is going on in the “magic box”. 

Stayer 205

King George VI and The King’s Speech: A confluence of technology, communication, and leadership (and other examples)

Diana G. Johnson, M.S. Associate Professor, Forensic Science, Marian University

This presentation will use the movie, The King’s Speech, as an example to highlight how leadership in a time of crisis can be aided by technological advances, thus granting the ability to communicate with the masses. Other examples will also be discussed. 

Science 104 

Wednesday Session 3

10:00 am-10:50 am 

From Social Distancing to Social Connecting: Is Telehealth a Help or Hindrance? 

Christine Laurent, PhD, RNC-OB, CNE, Marian University; Melissa Zar, MSN, RN, Marian University; Autumn Belongia, Elena Gibbens, Myckenna Schroeder, Catherine Suha, Marian Students 

Healthcare delivery and access were significantly disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Telehealth emerged as a viable option for health care providers to meet their patients’ needs, but limitations were noted. Several different populations will be explored for how telehealth can help or hinder addressing health care needs. Unfortunately, the lockdown, social distancing, and quarantines also contributed to widespread feelings of isolation and loneliness which cause significant threats to our health and wellness. The Surgeon General recently declared: “An Epidemic of Loneliness,” which makes us wonder can telehealth help address our needs for social connections?  

Stayer Dining Room

Wired for Learning: How AI, Neuroscience, and GRiT are Transforming Education 

Kurt Wismer, Entrepreneurship, IT & Relational Intelligence Educator, Educational Technology Coach at North Fond du Lac School District; Director of Curriculum & Deployment at Rewired Dynamics 

The future of education lies at the intersection of neuroscience, relational intelligence, and AI. This session explores how the brain learns best, why relational intelligence (GRiT) is the missing link in student development, and how AI can amplify—not replace- human connection in the learning process. Attendees will gain insight into the neuroscience of learning, practical application of AI in education, and how fostering resilience, emotional intelligence, and mindset can rewire students for success. Expect an engaging, thought-provoking session that challenges conventional thinking and equips educators with cutting-edge strategies to elevate learning outcomes.  

Stayer Auditorium 

Taking the Fiction Out of Sci-Fi: Why we should be concerned about AI 

Zoe Zimmermann, Marian Student 

We should be wary of too much advancement in Artificial Intelligence, as it could very quickly become detrimental to humanity by replacing our ability to think for ourselves and threatening our lives, livelihoods, and environment. AI is also developing too fast to be effectively regulated, and while we aren’t quite to a dystopian future yet, big corporations and biased creators of AI are influencing how disinformation spreads, exacerbating pre-existing prejudices and making the environment worse.  

Stayer 205 

Focus Within: Soothing Your Inner Being in a Digital World 

Kelsey Beine, MS, Certified Yogo Teacher Trainer, Adjunct, First Year Student Program 

In our increasingly digital world, we are continuously exposed to external stimuli – from unexpected YouTube ads to frequent notifications on our wearable technology. These draw our attention outward and keep us on alert, leading to chronic stress and a cascade of related physical, mental, and emotional symptoms. Amidst this, it is important – now, more than ever – to consciously bring our attention inward and focus on what is happening in our inner space. This practical session explores various techniques to get in touch with your inner being, helping you find a greater sense of ease and centeredness in the present moment.  

Science 101/104

Wednesday Session 4

11:00 am-11:50 am 

Morally and Spiritually Troubling Faces of AI: Therapist, guru, and lover 

Daniel P. Dwyer, PhD. Regional Director of Mission- SSM Health 

AI has developed from providing helpful office assistance in drafting documents and editing proposals and letters, to assuming the role of therapist, spiritual director or guru, and intimate partner. Users of this technology engage in deeply human and personal encounters with moral and spiritual implications and consequences. This presentation will highlight aspects of these roles and their implications and raise questions about the nature of relationships that are created. What might they portend about the future of personal encounters with these newly designed interpersonal realities?  

Stayer Auditorium

Microbiology: A Little Thing Making a Big Difference 

Jamie Reilly and Manuel Wuest; Marian Students 

Microbiology increases our understanding of the world around us, specifically when it comes to disease dynamics. We take a look at microbiology from two completely different lenses: modern medicine and modern agriculture. As we explore the current issues of each and how technology continues to shape our world, we increase our understanding and acknowledgement of social and environmental issues in active search of relevant solutions. Presented by future industry professionals, learn how communication, leadership, and technology are shaped by a little thing called microbiology.  

Stayer 205 

Lead with Love: Compassionate leadership in a digital age 

Kelsey Beine, MS, Certified Yogo Teacher Trainer, Adjunct, First Year Student Program 

With more screen time and heightened expectations for productivity aided by technology, how can we stay connected with one another? Let’s lean into our innate humanness – the qualities that make us unique amongst all the forms of life and technology on Earth. Grounded in authentic leadership theory, this reflective session invites you to consider these unique qualities we possess and apply them in your own leadership and interpersonal relationships.  

Science 101/104

AI – the god of Society’s New Religion 

Steve Kiszely, J.D. Adjunct, Marian University 

“And the people bowed and prayed to the neon god they made,”1 and that god will destroy the people’s individuality and humanity. 1 The Sound of Silence – Simon and Garfunkel  

Science 102

Wednesday Session 5

12:00 pm-12:50 pm 

Tool or Ticking Time Bomb? Pros and Cons of AI in Human Trafficking 

Nancy Irizarry-Beachy, Co-chair, WI Anti-Human Trafficking Consortium Note: This session is in response to last year’s presentation on Human Labor and Sex Trafficking. Attendees overwhelmingly requested a session on these two topics. 

In the fight against modern slavery, Artificial Intelligence (AI) now has increasing importance with its potential to improve accuracy and efficiency in the detection, monitoring and prevention efforts of mitigating human trafficking. 

Stayer Auditorium

Wednesday Session 6 

1:00 pm-1:50 pm 

How Workforce Communication is Evolving with Technology 

Gina Popp, Senior Director of IT, Society Insurance 

Explore the evolution of workforce communication, highlighting the benefits and challenges of remote working, and how businesses are adapting to these changes. The presentation covers various topics, including the history of technology, best practices for managing remote workers, and the pro and cons of technology verses in-person communication.  

Stayer Dining Room 

Navigating the Ethical Landscape of AI 

Joe Desiderio, Dean, Business, IT, and AI Innovation; Moraine Park Technical College 

AI is not just a technological challenge; it’s an ethical one. This session will help demystify I and delve into its ethical dilemmas, empowering you to understand the issues, ask the right questions, and contribute to shaping a responsible AI landscape.  

Stayer Auditorium 

The New Face of Justice: Emerging legal issues with police use of facial recognition technology

Lindsey Kraig, J.D., Assistant Professor/ Co-Director of Honors, Social and Behavioral Sciences 

Law enforcement’s use of facial recognition technology has become widespread in recent years. This presentation will explain how facial recognition technology has evolved and how law enforcement agencies are currently using facial recognition technology to assist with criminal investigations. I will also discuss the public’s perception of law enforcement’s use of facial recognition technology and some of the relevant legal issues that have emerged.  

Stayer 205 

AI: Teaching Machines to Think so You Don’t Have To 

David Leichter, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Philosophy Luke Townsend, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Theology Jodi Wagner-Angell, Ph.D., Professor, English 

The use of AI, Chat GPT, and other large language models has been hailed by many business leaders, technocrats, and others as a potentially revolutionary breakthrough. However, it is often unclear just how the use of these platforms will actually make our lives better. A common refrain is that such technology is morally and politically neutral; what matters is how we use it. This perspective misses the ways that technology is, as Langdon Winner puts it, a form of life, one that transforms our physical and social worlds. Winner posits that our capacity and willingness to reflect on the significance of technology and to critically evaluate new technologies lags far behind our capacity for creating and disseminating technologies. As a result, we ‘willingly sleepwalk through the process of reconstituting the conditions of human existence.’ “This panel will explore some of the ethical, political, and social implications of these models.”  

Science 104

Wednesday Session 7

2:00 pm-2:50 pm 

Organ Donation Leadership: The power of human connection and technology advancement 

Paul Osterholm, Tracie Cook, and Mark Scotch 

On his way to Texas for vacation, Plover, Wisconsin’s, Mike Scotch, stopped at a microbrewery in a small town in Louisiana to take a break. There was a man, Hugh Smith, sitting near them that Scotch struck up a conversation with. About an hour later, Smith said he had to go home to do his dialysis because he was in stage four renal failure and was waiting for a kidney. “I can give you one of mine,” Scotch said immediately. What happened as a chance meeting, changed both men forever. Smith ended up getting Scotch’s kidney, and during the process, Scotch learned about how many people need living kidney donors. Come witness this powerful story of endurance, generosity, and hope. Be inspired by how you can help bring life-saving awareness to the need for living kidney donors.  

Stayer Dining Room 

Leadership and Communication in the Animal Kingdom: Three examples 

John Hammond, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Biology, Marian University Diana G. Johnson, MS., Associate Professor, Forensic Science Solstice Moncini, Marian Student 

We will discuss three non-human examples of how groups of individuals manage conflict, make decisions, and depend on the wisdom of experienced leaders.  

Stayer 205