The summit explored the transformative role of Generative AI across education, business, and society, with discussions led by industry experts, faculty, and students.
Faculty showcased practical applications of AI in classrooms, with examples like AI-driven assignments in accounting that streamline routine tasks and enhance learning experiences.
Key Background:
The 2025 AI Summit at Thompson Rivers University (TRU) highlighted the transformative impact of Generative AI on education, business, and society. Held at the Bob Gaglardi School of Business and Economics, the summit brought together industry leaders, faculty, and students to explore how AI is reshaping various sectors.
Adina Gray, a key organizer of the summit, explained that this event evolved from the 2024 AI Symposium, which focused on AI in teaching and research. “We aimed to expand the conversation by inviting business leaders to discuss AI’s influence on industries and workplaces,” Gray said. The summit addressed the growing need for a broader dialogue on AI’s implications for the future.
AI is no longer a distant concept; it is actively integrated into the curriculum of over 100 Canadian universities and colleges, with students increasingly expecting AI support tools. According to Gray, the summit’s goals included demonstrating practical ways for faculty to incorporate AI into their teaching and helping students understand how AI is shaping their careers.
TRU faculty shared hands-on examples of AI use in the classroom. Jeff Kent, an accounting instructor at TRU, showed how AI tools can streamline tasks, allowing students to focus on higher-level concepts. Meanwhile, students like Madhurima Das emphasized the importance of learning to use AI responsibly, ensuring it enhances their academic work while maintaining integrity.
Industry experts also highlighted AI’s role in business. Michael Andrews, executive director of the Central Interior Business Accelerator, shared examples of how small businesses in Kamloops adopted AI to save time and boost efficiency. The summit emphasized that AI is not just a futuristic tool; it’s integral to education and business today. As Gray noted, “AI isn’t just a tool for the future; it’s here now, and it’s up to us to shape how we use it responsibly and creatively.”
