ERBIL () - David R. Evans, Ph.D., the American University of Kurdistan (AUK) Provost, addressed the Class of 2026 at their graduation ceremony in Duhok.
Evans welcomed the assembled trustees, ministers, diplomats, parliamentarians, and families, and thanked the university's Board of Trustees, faculty, and staff. He asked parents, spouses, and family members to stand and be recognized, and had the graduates turn to applaud them for their support.
He then spoke about his own arrival at AUK: "I am new to AUK. This is actually my 12th day of work at the university, and I am honored to serve this great institution, our wonderful students, and the Kurdistan Region."He said that in his brief time at AUK, he had come to admire the students' talents and persistence, as well as their graciousness and generosity toward a newcomer to Kurdistan.
Evans explained AUK's commitment to the liberal arts model, describing the term's roots in ancient Greek thought and its broader meaning as an education across a wide variety of disciplines. He said: "Different fields conceive of knowledge differently, make different kinds of arguments, have different types of data and narratives, and use different tools to understand and explain the world. Knowing and applying these different tools is a central part of being able to make an informed choice about how to proceed against contemporary challenges."
He noted that the word "liberal"shares its Latin root with "liberty,"and said the ancients believed a liberal arts education, culminating in the study of philosophy, was the foundation for individuals to function freely as citizens. "These tools, defined over 20 centuries ago, remain critical for your success in your society, and that is why AUK follows the liberal arts model,"he said.
Evans said AUK is "committed to AI readiness in all respects, including in educating our students,"while cautioning that AI's output should not be mistaken for genuine thought.
"What AI does looks like thinking, but it really isn't,"he said. "AI doesn't have intuition, it doesn't have imagination, and it absolutely doesn't have passion and an urge to serve... No matter how huge the box becomes, AI is still and always will be trapped inside it."
He added: "AI will never love. AI will never mourn. AI will never be a hero. AI will never have imagination... AI will never be wise."He described wisdom, what the Greeks called sophia, as the root of philosophy and the ultimate goal of the liberal arts.
Evans urged the graduates to continue thinking of themselves as students and learners for the rest of their lives, with the goal of doing things AI cannot. He said the world will continue to change, and that the graduates have developed the tools to manage that change and respond constructively.
"I wish you every success, urge you to pursue justice, and always strive to do the right thing, be strong, resilient, and kind, and seek wisdom and beauty in everything you do,"Evans said. "Congratulations."
