UCF Grads Boo Speaker's AI Praise at Commencement

Gloria Caulfield, vice president of strategic alliances at Orlando-based Tavistock Development Company, faced loud boos from University of Central Florida graduates during a commencement ceremony on May 8 when she described the rise of artificial intelligence as the next industrial revolution.

The event took place at Addition Financial Arena during the ceremony for graduates from the Nicholson School of Communication and Media and the College of Arts and Humanities. Caulfield, a former healthcare executive involved in business development for the Lake Nona planned community, was one of several speakers. In her 11-minute address, she urged the audience to embrace change, drawing parallels to past innovations like the internet and early cellphones.

"We are living in a time of profound change," Caulfield said. "Change is exciting. Very exciting. And let's face it, change can be daunting." She then added, "The rise of artificial intelligence is the next industrial revolution," prompting sustained boos from thousands of attendees. Pausing, she turned from the podium and asked onstage educators, "What happened?" Addressing the crowd, she continued, "Ok, I struck a chord. May I finish?"