Susi Q presents “Demystifying AI” with Jeff Rovner and Paul Freeman
AI can write poetry but struggles with math. AI beats the world’s best Go players. AI diagnoses diseases more efficiently than doctors. Those are just a few of the wildly proliferating headlines about Artificial Intelligence that pepper news sites these days.
Intriguing headlines, indeed! But what, exactly, is AI? And should we be excited about this amazing technological advance – or terrified?
Global technology strategist (and FOA artist) Jeff Rovner teams with independent consultant Paul Freeman to help answer that question. Their presentation is designed to demystify Artificial Intelligence (AI) for those of us who are befuddled or just plain curious about what its advent really means for society as a whole and ourselves in particular.
The event, free and open to all ages, will take place at the Susi Q on Thursday, Sept. 26 at 4:30 p.m. There’ll be plenty of time for questions. In October, a follow-up presentation will focus on what AI can do for each of us.
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Photos courtesy of Susi Q
Jeff Rovner
“AI will prove to be more transformational than even the internet has been until now,” Freeman noted. “It’s good that we all acquire a general understanding of it: How it might help or hurt us.”
Rovner agreed with Freeman’s prediction. He has watched with delight, but also with concern, as new AI technologies have been quickly applied to more and more aspects of our life. “As the author William Gibson said, the future is already here – it’s just not very evenly distributed,” Rovner said.
Since his retirement in 2022, Rovner has been a board member and exhibiting artist at the Festival of Arts. Before that, he spent 40 years in the legal industry. Most recently, Rovner was the managing director for Information at O’Melveny & Myers LLP, an international law firm comprised of 800 lawyers across 18 offices.
In that role, Rovner directed the firm’s global technology strategy, including the application of artificial intelligence to the firm’s legal work. His own software applications received first-place innovation awards from the Financial Times, The Recorder and London’s Legal Week.
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Paul Freeman
Paul Freeman is well-known in Laguna Beach. In 1990, he was retained jointly by stakeholders and litigants to facilitate negotiations that led to the preservation of Laguna Canyon. He was elected twice to City Council, twice serving as mayor.
Because of Freeman’s abiding interest in Go – he’s researched and played the game for decades – he’s been generally aware of the growth of AI longer than most. When an AI program first beat the world’s top Go player, in 2017, Freeman recognized it for the milestone it was – and became more interested in learning and talking more about it.
Freeman and Rovner first met when they and their daughters were part of the YMCA Indian Princess program.
“Jeff has become a dear friend. He’s also one of the leading experts and thinkers about the prospects and problems of Artificial Intelligence,” Freeman said. “I’m delighted to present this program with him.”
For more information, and to sign up for the presentation, go to www.thesusiq.org and click on classes and registration. If you prefer, call Christine Brewer at 949.715.8105.
The Susi Q offers a wide range of educational and fun programs, classes and clubs for older adults – though all ages are welcome. The Susi Q’s Care Management Department provides free consultation, education and practical resources for vulnerable seniors, enabling them to stay safe, informed and independent. For more information on The Susi Q, the portal to access the best of Laguna’s community resources, visit www.thesusiq.org.
