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Senator Angus King Dropped by Husson for a Look at Advanced Technology

Published on: March 5, 2024

Senator Angus King is shown in a technology lab with screens where he is being spoken to by another man.

BANGOR, MAINE — U.S. Senator Angus King made a stop at Husson University on Monday, March 4, 2024, to see the advanced technology and innovative spaces where the institution is educating the workforce of tomorrow.

The tour began in Harold Alfond Hall, where Senator King viewed the Ronan Center for Financial Technology, which features a 360-view learning environment, stock market tickers, interactive screens and more. Students in the bachelor’s degree in financial planning program learn through hands-on work including the management of a student-directed investment fund with a balance of more than $1 million. By the completion of their students, they are prepared to sit for the Certified Financial Planner® (CFP).

From there, Senator King went to the iEX Center in Alfond Hall, where he viewed the technological spaces where students are learning about the development and use of Extended Reality in education, entertainment, business, healthcare, engineering and beyond. Students use the latest technology, including the recently-released Apple Vision Pro goggles, in their coursework 

Senator Angus King is shown in a Husson University simulation lab shaking the hand of an AI Manikin. At the Simulation Education Center located in the Wellness Center, Senator King met Husson’s new AI-manikin, HAL, asking him questions about his health, his role at Husson, his knowledge of Maine politics and even poetry. When prompted to create a poem about Bangor, HAL delivered. The Simulation Education Center is used by students in nursing, pharmacy, physical therapy and occupational therapy programs for hands-on learning in simulated patient rooms. 

Senator King wrapped up his visit with a fireside chat with students at the new Ross Y. Furman ’72 Terrace, which opened in January. 

“We are so pleased and honored to have Senator Angus King visit Husson’s campus and experience the cutting edge technology that’s helping our institution prepare students for careers now and in the future,” said Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Lynne Coy-Ogan, who is also Husson’s president-elect.

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