Three Rochester Christian University students majoring in finance and accounting recently gained valuable industry exposure at a Financial Executives International event examining one of today’s most pressing business challenges: artificial intelligence governance and ethics.

The event, “Who’s in Control? Ethics and Governance in the Age of AI,” featured financial executives and industry innovators offering their perspectives on how organizations are navigating AI implementation, ethical considerations and governance frameworks.

Classroom concepts come to life

“These networking opportunities allow our students to see classroom concepts come to life,” said Kendra Corman, chair of the Department of Management and Marketing. “They’re engaging with the professionals who are actually addressing these challenges day-to-day.”

Corman participated as a panelist at the event with Scott Cieslak, chief commercial officer at Detroit Manufacturing Systems, and Anees Pretorius, CEO and co-founder of Bean AI for accounting and finance teams. The keynote presentation, “Unlocking AI in Finance: Strategy, Governance, and Trust,” was moderated by Cory McNeley, managing director and leader of technology innovation at UHY Consulting Inc.

Real-world learning in action

The students’ attendance exemplifies the School of Business and Technology’s commitment to experiential learning — ensuring students don’t just study business strategy, governance and emerging technologies in theory, but engage with the practitioners shaping these fields, Corman said. 

The event addressed important questions about AI’s impact on business strategy, governance structures, and organizational trust in the financial sector — topics increasingly central to modern finance and accounting practice.

Corman said this opportunity underscores RCU’s ongoing connection to the regional business community and dedication to providing students with professional development experiences that prepare them for leadership in an evolving business landscape.