Warhawk Weekly 6-16: AI summer camps; World Cup connection
AUM sparks AI discovery with free summer camps for youth
Auburn University at Montgomery’s College of Sciences is expanding access to artificial intelligence through two summer camps that will provide middle and high school students with hands-on learning experiences in AI and emerging technologies.
The first camp, Sensors & AI Camp, will be held June 22-28 in Education Building 209 on the AUM campus. Students will learn the fundamentals of sensors, artificial intelligence and technology applications through interactive activities and projects.
A second camp, 3D Modeling & AI Animation Camp, will take place July 6-10 in Clement Hall Room 108. Participants will explore 3D modeling, animation and AI-powered creative tools while developing their own digital projects.
Both camps are free to attend and will run from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Participants will conclude the camps by earning a National Science Foundation (NSF) certification. Students should bring their own lunch, with a lunch break scheduled from noon to 1 p.m. each day.
To register for the 3D Modeling & AI Animation Camp, email Mauricio Yepez at [email protected] or Lie Wu at [email protected] or call 334-213-8666. For the Sensors & AI Camp, email Jesus Linares at [email protected] or Wu at [email protected] or call 334-213-8666.
Both camps are supported by an NSF grant that is helping AUM expand AI education, research and workforce development initiatives across the university and throughout the community.
AUM’s World Cup connection
Auburn University at Montgomery Chancellor Carl A. Stockton recently attended the FIFA World Cup’s Road to 26 match between defending World Cup Champion Argentina and Iceland at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn. The event provided an opportunity to highlight AUM’s unique connection to Iceland through President Halla Tómasdóttir, a 1993 AUM graduate and the nation’s current president.
Joined by Iceland Ambassador to the United States Svanhildur Hólm Valsdóttir, Stockton was there to support Iceland and celebrate the university’s ties to the country ahead of the official start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Tómasdóttir was elected president in 2024, becoming the second woman to lead the island nation. She and her husband, Björn Skúlason, met in Montgomery while Skúlason was a student-athlete playing soccer for the Warhawks.
The Road to 26, a series of high-profile international soccer friendlies, kicked off in March and featured giants such as Brazil, France, Colombia and Egypt in international friendly soccer matches ahead of the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Watch Stockton’s interview with WSFA to learn more about AUM’s AUM’s World Cup connection.
Reno strikes a chord with banjo history keynote
AUM Distinguished Teaching Professor and Professor of English Seth T. Reno recently delivered the keynote address at Jefferson State Community College’s annual UWRITE Conference.
His presentation, “Alabama Banjo: A New History of America’s Instrument,” drew from his forthcoming book project of the same name. The work traces the history of banjo players, songs, literature, recordings, advertisements, conventions and communities across Alabama from the early 19th century to the present.
As part of his keynote, Reno demonstrated the old-time clawhammer style of banjo playing on both a traditional five-string open-back banjo and a handcrafted gourd banjo created by Emily Ellis of Ellis Banjo Company in Fairhope, Alabama. Ellis is the nation’s only commercial female banjo maker.
Reno’s research for his book project has been supported by several grants and fellowships, including a Cauthen Fellowship from the Alabama Folklife Association and a Folk Arts Apprenticeship Grant from the Alabama State Council on the Arts.
Held June 5, the annual conference focuses on English composition, research, and effective writing for students and faculty. The conference features workshops, writing panels, and guest speakers.
Orientation sessions equip new Warhawks for fall semester
Before classes begin, incoming students and their families have the opportunity to visit campus to learn about the AUM community. Orientation helps students register for classes, connect with campus resources, meet fellow Warhawks and prepare for a successful start to the semester.
Building these connections and gaining the tools they need to thrive at AUM helps students feel confident and prepared from day one.
The next orientation session will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday, June 26, on campus with additional sessions set for July 10, 17, 25 and 31; and Aug. 7 and 14.
Register to reserve your preferred date: https://www.aum.edu/admissions/undergraduate-student-orientation/
Campus closed Friday for Juneteenth holiday
Auburn University at Montgomery will be closed on Friday, June 19, in observance of the Juneteenth holiday. The holiday commemorates the end of slavery in the United States.
Normal university operations will resume on Monday, June 22. We wish the AUM community a meaningful and safe holiday.
Build in-demand data analytics skills this summer
Data drives decisions, and professionals who can interpret it are in demand across industries.
AUM’s 2026 Summer Data Analytics Certificate Program helps students, professionals, and practitioners build high-impact skills in data science, statistical learning, statistical modeling and data-driven decision making.
In this three day, six-module course, participants will gain practical tools to analyze, interpret, and leverage data across industries such as business, healthcare, academia, and public policy.
Take your analytical skills to the next level this summer! Register for the July session.
