Stanford was their golden ticket – can AI help or hinder it?

Stanford claims inventions ranging from computer time-sharing to biologically active DNA synthesis.

It is home to the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, where the first Web site was installed in North America in 1991.

Alumni Larry Page and Google co-founder Sergey Brin began their research careers while both were PhD students at the university. Years after starting the search giant here, Brin can be seen walking around the campus in track pants.

For decades, researchers at Stanford have played a pioneering role in the development of AI. The term “artificial intelligence” was coined here by computer scientist John McCarthy, the university says.

Many members of today’s Illuminati have ties to the university. Renowned computer scientist Fei-Fei Li, known as the “Godmother of AI”, serves as a professor here. OpenAI co-founder and CEO Sam Altman dropped out of Stanford in 2005.

A four-year undergraduate degree from Stanford can run up to $400,000 when expenses are included. But for students who land a seat here, it can be a golden ticket to a successful career in tech.

There was a time when teachers with day jobs at nearby tech companies included a letter below graduation tests when responding to those who showed the most potential.

While that practice seems to have ended, Stanford’s reputation as a hunting ground for the next generation of tech talent continues, with prominent industry leaders — alumni and otherwise — regularly seen on campus.

The university’s reputation attracts tens of thousands of applicants every year – Less than 4% are accepted, External.

“Stanford is a center of excellence across the country and the world,” said Harry Kaplan, a graduate of the management science and engineering program. “A lot of knowledge, research and innovation comes from here. And it’s a proud legacy for all of us to be a part of.”

Kaplan says the future impact of artificial intelligence is unclear.

“It’s too early to tell,” he said, holding an inflatable palm tree as students prepared for Stanford’s graduation tradition known as the “Wacky Walk.”

“It’s an exciting place to be. It feels like we’re on the cusp of something,” Kaplan added.