UF launches AI avatar

FINDLAY — The University of Findlay is launching its new virtual engagement officer Daphne, an AI-powered avatar to connect with UF alumni, friends and community members. "Daphne will serve as a concierge to provide positive engagement experiences," vice president of university advancement Ken McIntyre Jr. said in a release from the university. "Our goal is to strengthen connections in a creative way within our network of more than 30,000 UF alumni around the world. Daphne is a resource for a broader base of Oiler supporters to learn more about the work being done at Findlay and how that intersects with their own passions and interests." The AI will interact with alumni and friends of UF through email and text messages, sharing information on events, engagement opportunities and other areas of the university. Daphne was created by Givzey, a Boston-based startup redefining nonprofit fundraising through AI-driven solutions and customized VEOs. In 2024, the company launched the AI R&D Design Lab, Version2.ai, designed to strengthen institutional fundraising by adding autonomous AI to existing programs. The autonomous fundraising tools utilize VEOs to engage donors, supporters and constituents to attract donations and contributions for an institution. To date, Givzey has partnered with more than 80 universities, hospitals and other nonprofits nationwide to develop VEOs. University president Katherine Fell said integrating artificial intelligence into UF's development work blends well with the AI focus of many UF courses and research projects in which students are implementing the power of AI to benefit society. "Just as our students are learning daily how to leverage AI tools that they will use in their careers in a responsible, ethical manner, it is fitting that the university's efforts to increase the level of engagement with our alumni across the nation should also be employing the best practices," Fell said in the release. For more information on this fundraising approach leveraging AI or to communicate with Daphne, visit Findlay.ai.