Coffee and Conversation: Hosted by the Golden Huskie Alumni Network

Friday, Oct. 3

Remember when the typewriter was king and the idea of a “talking computer” was science fiction? Fast forward to today—computers don’t just talk, they write, compose and even converse like humans.
 

Join your fellow Golden Huskies in this engaging and thought-provoking lecture during Homecoming weekend, where NIU Professor David J. Gunkel will introduce you to Large Language Models (LLMs)—the technology behind ChatGPT and other AI tools that are transforming how we write, learn, and communicate.

What You’ll Learn

• How it works – A clear, non-technical explanation of how these AI systems “learn” language.
• Why it matters – The benefits and concerns of AI-generated content in education, media, and everyday life.
• What it means for the future – How this technology might reshape writing, creativity, and even our understanding of what it means to be human.

Questions We’ll Explore

• Can a machine really write like a person?
• Do these systems understand what they’re saying?
• How might this change the way we teach, tell stories, or preserve our legacies?

About the Speaker

David J. Gunkel is a Distinguished Research Professor at NIU and a leading thinker in the ethics of AI and robotics. 

Why You Should Attend

This isn’t just a tech talk—it’s a conversation about the future of communication, tailored for those who’ve seen the world change and want to understand what’s next. Whether you're curious, cautious, or just want to keep up with the younger generation, this event is for you.
 

Coffee and light pastries will be served.