Dream Team Snatches Victory in a Close Intramural Basketball Game

James Ortiz, Staff Photographer 

On March 13th, 2025, two fearless teams met face to face for an intense basketball game. In the Regis Intramural Sports Program, opposing teams known as  “Dream Team” and “Sacramento” competed ferociously for victory. After an exciting game of ups and downs, the Dream Team snatched victory with a score of 59-58. One point marked the Dream Team’s victory, showing the balance of the game and the skill of the players. 

The game takes place in Regis University’s Fieldhouse. Photo by James Ortiz

The game begins. Photo by James Ortiz

Both teams give the game their all. Photo by James Ortiz

The History of AI: Part 2

Gabriella Sandoval, Events Liaison and Manager 

Beyond the multiplex ideas of robots and technology would upspring the AI that we have come to know and use today. But, before we can fully understand just how AI has improved over many decades, we must continue analyzing the groundwork that has enabled AI to develop to where it’s at now.

The rapid growth of technological advancements in the area of AI would continue to thrive in the timeframe of the 1950’s-60’s. This period sparked creation, where scientists focused on programming languages, and when a plethora of books and movies explored deeper ideas of self-functioning robots. The concept of AI quickly became mainstream, with many inventors seeking to create the “next best thing”.

Creations in the late 1950’s-60’s:

• In 1958, computer scientist John McCarthy created List Processing (LISP), the first programming language for AI research, which is still used today.

• In 1961, The first industrial robot named “Unimate" started working at a General Motors in New Jersey, responsible for transporting die casings and welding parts on cars (which was said to be too dangerous for humans to do).

• In 1965, Edward Feigenbaum and Joshua Lederberg created the first “Expert System” which was a form of AI designed to replicate the thinking and decision-making abilities of human experts.

The Invention of Chatbots:

If you’ve ever seen the movie Iron Man (best Avenger by the way), then you're quite familiar with Tony Stark’s AI assistant named Jarvis. Stark’s virtual personal assistant may have seemed like a fairly new idea, when in reality, the concept of chatbots began in the 1960’s. In 1966, computer scientist Joseph Weizenbaum created the first “chatterbot” (later shortened to chatbot), ELIZA; a program that imitated a therapist. ELIZA used Natural Language Processing (NLP), and tricked users into thinking they were conversing with a human being, rather than a chatterbot. How astonished would you be to find out that your online therapist is in fact not a human being, but rather a computer system?

After ELIZA, there were other successful Bots that were made including: PARRY in 1972, RACTER in 1983 and then JABBERWACKY in 2005. All bots were created for the purpose of mimicking human interaction.

AI in the 1970’s:

The 1970’s was an era filled with similar improvements, including the world's first full-scale anthropomorphic robot, called Wabot-1; created by a Japanese professor named Ichiro Kato in 1970. This robot consisted of a limb-control system, a vision system, and a conversation system, the closest a robot could come to achieving full human function. By the late 1970’s, James L. Adams created “The Stanford Cart” which became one of the first examples of an autonomous vehicle; which eventually was able to successfully navigate a room full of chairs without human interference.

Challenges with Funding for AI:

By the mid-1960s, AI research in the United States was being funded primarily by the Department of Defense. However, by the 1970’s, the U.S. government began to show little interest in continuing to fund AI research. Fortunately, in 1979, The American Association of Artificial Intelligence which is now known as the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI) was founded. This nonprofit was created to assist in advancing the development of AI, which also produced a means of funding.

Reflecting on the mid and mid-late 1900’s, it’s clear that these time periods laid the essential groundwork for AI’s significant evolution in the years that followed. There’s more to be discussed about the enthralling topic of AI, so stay tuned for part three of this AI series!

DEI: What It Is, What It Does

Caleigh Montoya, Staff Writer

With the current political choices surrounding us, many may question what is really changing in our world. DEI is one of the floating policies that is causing a lot of controversy. DEI stands for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Diversity and inclusion are already well known. Diversity means a variety of people and inclusion means that we are to involve all, especially those marginalized. Equity is lesser known, but is very pertinent to today’s issues. While often confused with equality, which means treating everyone the same, equity goes the extra mile by treating everyone the same, but also providing the necessary help to anyone who may need it to achieve said equality. 

DEI policies and programs are provided to advocate for the fair treatment of all people, and to ensure that those who come from historically oppressed communities are given the same opportunities as everyone else. While these policies gained more prominence under the Biden administration, DEI policies have been around for decades. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 made hiring and work discrimination illegal, and this was the first step in creating programs attempting to end hidden prejudices. Since then, DEI has been trying to better our institutions. 

Less than a month into his inauguration, one of President Trump’s first acts was to end all DEI initiatives. On January 20th, Trump signed an executive order titled “Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing,”.

Unless you’re a white man, the ending of DEI is a scary thought. We all have something to be frightened of if our identities are being not only ignored but blatantly used against us. Solving the problem of the elimination of DEI requires a radical raise of our voices, so that this attempt of oppressed silence will not succeed.

Student Self Care is Sponsored by Somos

James Ortiz, Staff Photographer 

On February 27th, 2025, Regis University’s Somos Club offered self care to students. The event took place outside of the Student Center, giving students a chance to enjoy sweet snacks in the sun. 

Somos Club leaders provide the community with free snacks. Photo by James Ortiz

The items provided remind students to take care of themselves, and enjoy a yummy treat. Photo by James Ortiz

Chips, cookies, and refreshments are available to all students. Photo by James Ortiz

A Panoramic View of Regis University

Alina Hussaini, Guest Photographer 

Throughout February, Colorado held rates of low temperatures. With a dusting of snow, and a chill that hits down to the bone, the university was engulfed in the winter season. With these cold conditions, Regis University sparkled in the snow in this special, panoramic view of the university. 

The campus sits silently, coated in a blanket of fresh powder. Photo by Alina Hussaini

Somos Hosts First Meeting of Spring Semester

James Ortiz, Staff Photographer

On February 13th, 2025, Somos hosted its first meeting of the spring semester. Somos exists to provide support, celebrate, and promote appreciation for Latinx culture. This first meeting followed that mission by allowing participants to invite friends and create Valentine’s Day cards together. 

The leaders of Somos start the event with a presentation. Photo by James Ortiz

The opening presentation introduces participants to the mission behind the organization. Photo by James Ortiz

Students enjoy the meeting and the themed activities provided. Photo by James Ortiz

Students begin crafting Valentine’s Day cards to celebrate the upcoming holiday. Photo by James Ortiz