The spark of possibility

Boll Theatre buzzed with anticipation Nov. 19 as students, faculty and IBM representatives filled the seats for the “fireside chat.” There was no hearth, no crackling logs, yet the room radiated a different kind of warmth — the kind that comes from possibility, from shared purpose and the spark of a partnership poised to shape the future.

President Eric F. Spina welcomed James Kavanaugh ’88, senior vice president and chief financial officer at IBM, back to campus for a conversation announcing a new partnership between IBM and the University of Dayton designed to help usher in a new era of global innovation. Kavanaugh spoke openly about his path to IBM, tracing its roots back to his formative years at UD and in Dayton, a city he called “the birthplace of innovation.” His early career began at the National Cash Register Co., where he first entered the world of technology and business, before joining IBM and advancing through the ranks to his current leadership role. 

The partnership aims to advance critical technologies for the rapidly evolving age of artificial intelligence through joint research and development efforts in next-generation semiconductor technologies and materials, including opportunities for UD faculty and students.

“The power of this partnership is two value-based organizations putting responsible technology to work,” Kavanaugh said, emphasizing that the Marianist values he absorbed at UD continue to guide him. He described the dual responsibilities of a modern CFO — “guardian of stability” and “agent of transformation” — and how integrity, service and social responsibility remain central to both roles.

Spina echoes that sentiment. “Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other,” he said. “That’s why we’re so excited for this partnership.”

As the conversation opened to audience questions, students voiced both curiosity and concern about the accelerating rise of AI. How, they asked, would this partnership help ensure that the next wave of technological advancement remains ethical, equitable and human-centered?

Kavanaugh didn’t shy away from the complexity. “The new state of currency in the world is AI,” he explained. “We need to accept and define the role of AI with humility, courage, inclusion, transparency and hope.”

With this partnership, IBM and UD will do just that, together — creating a spark that promises to burn brightly for years to come.