Innovations in technology and communication have evolved significantly in the 21st century, with uses ranging from the positive, such as virtual collaboration and computer-generated medical diagnosis and remote workplaces, to abuses such as scamming elders and social media bullying.  With a wide range of digital platforms (Zoom, Teams, and social media such as “X”), we are all challenged to establish and maintain effective interpersonal communication that respects and enhances the goals and ethics of all.  New competencies such as digital literacy and artificial intelligence, are required; technology influences human personalities and individual preferences, and sometimes even renders decisions with no human input.

Individuals, as well as leaders in all sectors (academics, healthcare, manufacturing, non-profit, military, service, and industry) and enterprises, must make effective use of both technology and communication.  By its very nature, communication influences ideas, values, and attitudes.  Laws guide behaviors in the workplace in cases such as harassment and discrimination, but they are still catching up in the use of artificial intelligence and public policy issues.  How can reflection on technology and communication help us be fully human, thus making the world a better place for all its inhabitants?  What is the role for each of us as leaders in this endeavor?  In this world of rapidly changing technology, we must all be leaders.

Join us as we explore these questions:

  • In what ways are moral, social, ethical/legal, economic, environmental, and educational changes affected by technology and artificial intelligence?
  • What are the pros and cons of communicating through technology vs. in person? What is “effective communication” in a digital age? How do leaders at all levels weigh accuracy vs. manipulation of information in effective communication?
  • What role should artificial intelligence play in the effective use of communication and in our current understanding of creative ownership and plagiarism? How might we redefine and regulate these concepts considering widespread AI usage?
  • How does the current use of technology and communication impact diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as access for all?
  • What potentially harmful effects can result from abuse of communication technology? How do we protect both privacy and individual freedom?
  • In what ways might technology benefit both individuals and society or introduce obstacles and problems?
  • How do we balance emotional intelligence and digital literacy?
  • What are some best practices for managing remote work environments?

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

Evening Panel
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Stayer Center Auditorium

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

Facilitator: James Gray, J.D.
Welcome: Donna Innes, CSA, Ph.D.

Wednesday, March 26, 2025

8:00 – 8:50 am

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

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

9:00 – 9:50 am

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

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

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

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

10:00 – 10:50 am

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

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

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

Kelsey Beine, MS, Registered Yoga Teacher, 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

11:00 – 11:50 am

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

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

Kelsey Beine, MS, Registered Yoga Teacher , 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

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

12:00 – 12:50 pm

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

1:00 – 1:50 pm

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

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

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

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

2:00 – 2:50 pm

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

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