Alumnus Jay Maru Inspires Seniors to Lead in an AI-Powered Future
Posted on October 7, 2025 by SOC

The School of Computing recently welcomed alumnus Jay Maru, founder of Beyond AI,
as a guest speaker for the Senior Seminar series. Maru, an executive leader turned
entrepreneur, delivered a presentation titled “Latest Trends and Use Cases in AI”
to a group of graduating seniors preparing to enter the job market.
In his talk, Maru provided a firsthand look at the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence, covering real-world applications, industry adoption, and how AI is reshaping hiring and team dynamics. He also offered practical advice for students seeking to stand out in a competitive market, including an analogy comparing “vibe coding” with building strong technical foundations.
Maru drew on his unique career journey, which began in corporate America, spanning roles in finance, customer success, and technology leadership. Recognizing the opportunities AI presented, he launched Beyond AI, a company that develops AI solutions and automation strategies to help organizations adopt the technology responsibly and effectively. Maru has also earned multiple hackathon wins for applied AI solutions in business contexts.
Speaking to the senior class of information systems, computer science, and information technology majors, Maru emphasized that AI is not a replacement for human talent but a tool to amplify it. He encouraged students to focus on the skills that AI cannot replicate—critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and deep subject expertise.
“The next generation of technologists won’t be replaced by AI. They’ll be supercharged
by it,” Maru told students. “With the strong foundations you’ve gained here, AI becomes
a multiplier of your impact rather than a competitor.”
The session, organized by Dr. Maureen S. Van Devender, highlights the School of Computing’s
commitment to preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of a technology-driven
future.
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