Balancing AI and Human Ingenuity: Northeastern Welcomes the First AI Generation

President Aoun Urges Northeastern’s Class of 2029 to Balance AI and Human Skills

At Northeastern University’s Boston convocation, President Joseph E. Aoun welcomed the incoming Class of 2029 and highlighted the importance of balancing artificial intelligence (AI) with human capabilities. He described these students as part of the “first AI generation” poised to influence both society and AI itself.

Addressing the new students in Matthews Arena, Aoun emphasized the need to find equilibrium between “agentic AI”—autonomous AI systems capable of perceiving, reasoning, planning, and acting independently—and human agency. This balance, he said, will be the guiding principle throughout their academic and professional lives.

Starting the Academic Year with Purpose and Wisdom

The convocation ceremony serves as an annual kickoff for the school year, blending tradition with inspiration. Provost Beth Winkelstein spoke about Northeastern’s commitment to fostering intellectual curiosity and encouraging students to combine diverse interests—from neuroscience and ethics to software engineering and entrepreneurship—through experiential learning such as co-ops, research, and global programs.

Deans from various colleges shared stories of students who applied their interdisciplinary knowledge to real-world challenges. Examples included an engineering student who developed a medical app, a business student working on AI and blockchain investments, and a science student whose co-op experience led toward a career in child psychiatry.

“At Northeastern, we don’t ask you to choose between passions, we help you connect them,” said Carmen Sceppa, dean of the Bouve College of Health Sciences.

Community, Collaboration, and Opportunities

Andrea Dorta Muñoz, a graduate and senior technical program manager at Amazon Robotics, praised Northeastern’s global network of students, faculty, and alumni. She encouraged the Class of 2029 to view their peers as future collaborators and supporters, describing the campus as their “launch pad” and the world as their runway.

The ceremony also featured an Indian classical dance performance by NU Malhar and introductions to nearly 600 clubs and organizations. Chancellor Ken Henderson highlighted the university’s rich extracurricular ecosystem, inviting students to find their community and purpose.

Student Government Association President Julian Herzing-Burkard urged first-year students to step beyond their comfort zones and explore new interests, global experiences, and co-op opportunities that challenge and expand their perspectives.

Learning “Humanics” for the Future

President Aoun introduced students to the concept of “humanics,” a framework from his book Robot Proof: Higher Education in the Age of Artificial Intelligence. Humanics integrates technological literacy, data literacy, and human literacy to prepare students for a future where AI and human skills must work hand in hand.

He described the education at Northeastern as a chance to develop an understanding of machines while maintaining a balance between AI’s capabilities and human decision-making. Aoun reassured students they would be supported by faculty, staff, and their peers throughout this process.

The ceremony concluded with the lighting of the ceremonial torch, performances, and the singing of the alma mater. Students like Elisaveta Steigler and Aidan Henderson expressed excitement and motivation to engage fully in the Northeastern experience.

What Comes Next: Fall Fest and Beyond

Following convocation, students participated in Fall Fest, where clubs and organizations showcased opportunities for involvement, helping new students connect with communities and discover their paths.

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