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Auburn’s College of Education embraces an AI-powered future to advance its mission

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AUBURN, Ala., April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As Artificial Intelligence (AI) becomes more integrated into daily life, Auburn University’s College of Education is sharpening its focus on this powerful tool and exploring how it can strengthen the preparation of future educators and healthcare workers.

Throughout the College of Education (and featured in the recent release of the college’s Keystone Magazine), artificial intelligence is being thoughtfully integrated across its four academic units, reflecting both the breadth of the college and a shared commitment to ethical, human-centered practice. Auburn College of Education Dean Jeffrey Fairbrother shared his perspective on how artificial intelligence aligns with the college’s vision for the future.

“In the College of Education, we’re committed to opening doors and improving lives, and artificial intelligence is an important door to opportunity,” he said. “I am proud of our faculty who are embracing AI to expand access, enhance learning and empower educators, always guided by ethics and integrity. By opening these doors today, we’re building a better future for all, far into the future.”

In the Department of Curriculum and Teaching, faculty are focused on teacher preparation and continuously improving methods of learning. Paul Fitchett, head of C&T, oversees several faculty members leading AI-focused initiatives, including some who are developing a course on the applied use of AI in the workplace that will come with industry credentialing.

“We are exploring AI through a number of different, applied facets,” Fitchett said. “Some individuals are leveraging AI to expand research capabilities while others are engaging AI to support teaching and learning, improving the educational experience for instructors and students alike.”

In Agricultural Education, Leadership and Communications, AI is treated as both a research tool and an object of study, with faculty developing a new AI course and even patent-pending technologies that support agriculture, Extension work and global food systems, always emphasizing the “expert in the loop” and transparency over blind automation. In Elementary Education, future teachers learn to use AI as a collaborative planning and efficiency tool, refining outputs through pedagogical expertise and deep knowledge of learners.

Margaret Flores, interim head of the Department of Special Education, Rehabilitation, and Counseling, emphasized the importance of research regarding how AI will impact these professions. SERC faculty members are working to integrate AI into their classrooms to inform their students about future uses in their careers.

In Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling, faculty are embedding AI directly into applied coursework, training students to critically evaluate AI-generated vocational data, labor market information and assessment recommendations while grounding decisions in professional judgment and ethics. In the School Counseling Program, students are prepared to navigate AI’s possibilities and limits through ethics-focused coursework and national research, reinforcing that empathy, nuance and confidentiality remain irreplaceable.

Meanwhile, the Education to Accomplish Growth in Life Experiences for Success (EAGLES) Program is leveraging AI as an equalizer for students with intellectual disabilities, using federally funded digital literacy and AI modules to promote independence, self-advocacy and access.

“AI can enhance the services or instruction that we provide, reduce administrative tasks and increase efficiency in research,” Flores said. “We must ensure that researchers are shaping how AI is changing our fields.”

In the Department of Educational Foundations, Leadership, and Technology, faculty are working with AI in multiple ways. Through basic and applied research, faculty are addressing early childhood vocabulary learning and mathematics learning, and learning how AI can help with research workflow, STEM learning and even the development of education policy.

Several faculty members are also incorporating AI into their classrooms, including the use of an AU tutor to support independent learning and AI-explicit language in teaching materials such as syllabi.

EFLT Department Head Hank Murrah said that his unit’s approach is about embracing the changes that come with AI while also working to shape how it will affect the future of education.

“We view AI as both a transformative research tool and a catalyst for innovation in teaching and learning,” Murrah said. “Our faculty are developing AI-driven interventions for STEM education, leveraging AI to streamline research workflows and exploring ethical frameworks for its use in classrooms. These efforts position us to prepare graduates who are not only AI-literate but capable of shaping evidence-based policy and practice. We believe AI will redefine how educators design learning experiences and how researchers generate insights—making education more adaptive, fair and impactful.”

Matt Miller serves as the director of the School of Kinesiology, whose faculty members are exploring how AI can help with conducting research and processing data to find ways to improve a person’s health. Within the School of Kinesiology, AI is being introduced in coursework related to exercise prescription and programming, helping students analyze data, tailor training plans and think critically about how emerging technologies can support safe, individualized, evidence-based practice.

“School of Kinesiology faculty members conduct research that yields large and complex datasets involving measures related to human movement, including but not limited to their physical activity throughout the day, brain activity during exercise, joint angles while walking or throwing a ball and protein expression after exercise training,” Miller said. “AI helps faculty members make sense of these measures to translate research findings into practical knowledge that can be used to enhance health and performance.”

Additionally, in the School of Kinesiology, the Sensorimotor and Rehabilitation (SMART) Neuroscience Lab studies the neuroscience of human movement using virtual and augmented reality simulations. And now, a new member of the lab has joined the team to help understand things like balance and walking: Circuit, the robotic “dog” who comes complete with artificial intelligence built in. Circuit is what’s called a quadruped robot (“robot dog”), and he’s used to explore new ways of supporting older adults’ safety at home.

Led by Director of Physical Therapy Harsimran Baweja, the SMART Neuroscience Lab is using Circuit to study whether robot dogs equipped with artificial intelligence and advanced sensors can reliably track human movement during everyday activities.

While there are many uses for AI, College of Education faculty members are also acutely aware that the human touch is an essential part of their work. The overall goal is to use AI to enhance the service provided to another human being, whether they are a student or a patient.

“Whatever their approach, integrity and professional ethics remain the driving force for our use of generative Artificial Intelligence,” Fitchett said. “Maintaining these principles is essential as we navigate an ever-changing landscape.”

Together, these efforts highlight a college-wide approach to AI that spans disciplines and populations, using emerging technologies not as replacements for human expertise, but as tools to expand opportunity, insight and impact.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/auburns-college-of-education-embraces-an-ai-powered-future-to-advance-its-mission-302750731.html

SOURCE Auburn University College of Education

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CGI announces private offering of C$500 million, in aggregate, of 3.25 year and 4.75 year senior unsecured notes

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September 10, 2026

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MONTREAL, Sept. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — CGI (TSX: GIB.A) (NYSE: GIB) announced today that it has priced an offering of Canadian dollar denominated senior unsecured notes in two series.

CGI will issue C$500 million in aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes, consisting of C$250 million aggregate principal amount of 3.25 year notes and C$250 million aggregate principal amount of 4.75 year notes. The 3.25 year notes will bear interest at the rate of 4.195% per annum and 4.75 year notes will bear interest at the rate of 4.484% per annum. The offering is expected to close on or about September 14, 2026, subject to customary closing conditions.

The net proceeds from the offering are expected to be approximately C$497.3 million after deducting the agents’ fees and estimated offering expenses. CGI intends to use the aggregate net proceeds from the offering to repay existing indebtedness and for general corporate purposes.

The notes are being offered in Canada on an agency basis by a syndicate of agents led by Scotia Capital Inc., Desjardins Securities Inc., BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc., CIBC World Markets Inc., National Bank Financial Inc., RBC Dominion Securities Inc., and TD Securities Inc.

The notes will be offered on a private placement basis in each of the provinces of Canada in reliance upon exemptions from the prospectus requirements of applicable securities laws. The notes have not been, and will not be, registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”), or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the notes in the United States or any other jurisdiction where such offering or sale would be unlawful.

About CGI

Founded in 1976, CGI is among the largest independent IT and business consulting services firms in the world. With 94,000 consultants and professionals across the globe, CGI delivers an end-to-end portfolio of capabilities, from strategic IT and business consulting to systems integration, managed IT and business process services and intellectual property solutions. CGI works with clients through a local relationship model complemented by a global delivery network that helps clients digitally transform their organizations and accelerate results. CGI Fiscal 2025 reported revenue is $15.91 billion and CGI shares are listed on the TSX (GIB.A) and the NYSE (GIB). Learn more at cgi.com.

Forward-looking information and statements

This press release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of Canadian securities laws and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other applicable United States safe harbours. All such forward-looking information and statements are made and disclosed in reliance upon the safe harbour provisions of applicable Canadian and United States securities laws. Forward-looking information and statements include all information and statements regarding CGI’s intentions, plans, expectations, beliefs, objectives, future performance, and strategy, as well as any other information or statements that relate to future events or circumstances and which do not directly and exclusively relate to historical facts. Forward-looking information and statements often but not always use words such as “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend”, “anticipate”, “foresee”, “plan”, “predict”, “project”, “aim”, “seek”, “strive”, “potential”, “continue”, “target”, “may”, “might”, “could”, “should”, and similar expressions and variations thereof. These information and statements are based on our perception of historic trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other assumptions, both general and specific, that we believe are appropriate in the circumstances. Such information and statements are, however, by their very nature, subject to inherent risks and uncertainties, of which many are beyond the control of CGI, and which give rise to the possibility that actual results could differ materially from our expectations expressed in, or implied by, such forward-looking information or forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include but are not restricted to: risks related to the market such as the level of business activity of our clients, which is affected by economic and political conditions, additional external risks (such as pandemics, armed conflict, climate-related issues, inflation, tariffs and/or trade wars) and our ability to negotiate new contracts; risks related to our industry such as competition and our ability to develop and expand our services to address emerging business demands and technology trends (such as artificial intelligence), to penetrate new markets, and to protect our intellectual property rights; risks related to our business such as risks associated with our growth strategy, including the integration of new operations, financial and operational risks inherent in worldwide operations, legal and operational risks inherent in contracting with government clients, foreign exchange risks, income tax laws and other tax programs, the termination, modification, delay or suspension of our contractual agreements, our expectations regarding future revenue resulting from bookings and backlog, our ability to attract and retain qualified employees, to negotiate favourable contractual terms, to deliver our services and to collect receivables, to disclose, manage and implement environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives and standards, and to achieve ESG commitments and targets, including without limitation, our commitment to reduce our carbon emissions, as well as the reputational and financial risks attendant to cybersecurity breaches and other incidents, including through the use of artificial intelligence, and financial risks such as liquidity needs and requirements, maintenance of financial ratios, our ability to declare and pay dividends, interest rate fluctuations and changes in creditworthiness and credit ratings; as well as other risks identified or incorporated by reference in this press release, in CGI’s annual and quarterly MD&A and in other documents that we make public, including our filings with the Canadian Securities Administrators (on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca) and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (on EDGAR at www.sec.gov). Unless otherwise stated, the forward-looking information and statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof and CGI disclaims any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information or forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. While we believe that our assumptions on which these forward-looking information and forward-looking statements are based were reasonable as at the date of this press release, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking information or statements. Furthermore, readers are reminded that forward-looking information and statements are presented for the sole purpose of assisting investors and others in understanding our objectives, strategic priorities and business outlook as well as our anticipated operating environment. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Further information on the risks that could cause our actual results to differ significantly from our current expectations may be found in the section titled Risk Environment of CGI’s annual and quarterly MD&A, which is incorporated by reference in this cautionary statement. We also caution readers that the above-mentioned risks and the risks disclosed in CGI’s annual and quarterly MD&A and other documents and filings are not the only ones that could affect us. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial could also have a material adverse effect on our financial position, financial performance, cash flows, business or reputation.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cgi-announces-private-offering-of-c500-million-in-aggregate-of-3-25-year-and-4-75-year-senior-unsecured-notes-302874496.html

SOURCE CGI Inc.

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Yutong Opens Its First Comprehensive Service Center in Europe

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September 10, 2026

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The Norway-based facility integrates maintenance, inspection, and parts supply to support battery-electric bus fleets throughout the vehicle lifecycle

STOKKE, Norway, Sept. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Yutong Bus officially opened its first Yutong Service Center (the “Center”) in Europe on September 8 in Stokke, Norway, integrating vehicle delivery, after‑sales service, spare parts supply, and professional training into one hub.

As Norway advances its transition to electric public transport, the Center will enhance maintenance capabilities, compliance inspections, and local service responsiveness for pure electric buses, offering customers a more direct service option and delivering systematic support for fleet operations across their full lifecycle.

Covering approximately 38,941 square meters with a building area of 6,074 square meters, including a 2,300‑square‑meter parts warehouse, the Center integrates brand display, vehicle delivery, after‑sales service, parts supply, and training facilities, delivering all‑around customer support. Built around Yutong as the core, the Center consolidates multi‑dimensional service functions and complements existing local partners and service channels, offering customers more direct, flexible issue resolution and service options.

“The service center is positioned as a comprehensive, centralized service hub, with a large inventory of parts, inspection facilities, professional service bays, and dedicated training equipment,” said Jack Li, CEO of Yutong Central and Northern Europe. “Through efficient operations, we aim to help reduce customers’ total cost of ownership and maximize bus uptime. By strengthening partnerships and expanding service coverage, we aim to deliver cost-effective services and create shared value while helping make public transport greener, smarter, and more inclusive.”

One‑stop service ecosystem: from parts supply to integrated service support across the fleet lifecycle

With the local service center and dedicated on‑ground team, Yutong consolidates parts supply, fault diagnostics, maintenance, and professional training into a single service system, improving service efficiency and delivering full‑lifecycle fleet support for Norwegian passenger transport and bus operators. The Center features a comprehensive reception area, maintenance and repair zone, parts storage area, hands-on training space, vehicle display area, and brand experience zone, offering local customers an integrated service package spanning everything from vehicle sales and delivery to after‑sales repairs, parts supply, and technical training.

The Center features seven standardized maintenance bays, as well as dedicated bays for powertrain and large-component repairs, equipped with four‑post lifts, an electronic laser wheel alignment system, a brake tester, and a heavy‑duty tire balancer. It offers repair capabilities for chassis, electrical and high‑voltage systems, powertrains, air conditioning, and interiors, and can also handle non‑severe accident vehicles, alcohol interlocks, and tachographs.

Built to EU standards, the Center includes a dedicated bus inspection line for Norway’s mandatory PKK annual inspections, featuring a 31.5‑meter pit, two 16‑ton pit jacks, and equipment for brake, lighting, side‑slip, and OBD testing, covering chassis, braking, safety devices, onboard diagnostics, and powertrain compliance. By conducting inspections, fault diagnosis, and safety checks locally, the Center helps customers reduce fleet downtime and lower operating costs.

It also has a 2,300‑square‑meter parts warehouse, covering 4,500 SKUs of Yutong genuine parts for battery, motor and electronic control systems, powertrains, chassis, steering systems, pneumatic and hydraulic systems, interior and exterior trim, wear parts, and maintenance consumables.

With local stock and regional distribution center replenishment, the Center reduces parts sourcing and repair waiting times, improving vehicle uptime and minimizing fleet downtime losses. All parts are backed by consistent quality and warranty standards, supported by a local engineering team delivering parts supply, diagnostics, and maintenance services.

Building local expertise: service, training, and long‑term fleet support

The Center also includes theoretical training rooms and hands-on training areas, with instruction led by experienced trainers. Equipped with a comprehensive whole-vehicle training platform for pure electric buses and dedicated training units for air conditioning, EBS braking, heaters, battery, motor and electronic control systems, and rear-axle disassembly, the Center supports training in component identification, operating principles, simulation, and fault diagnosis. The training equipment uses core assemblies and components sourced from actual vehicles, enabling customers’ maintenance technicians to apply what they learn directly to real-world repairs.

Through its local team, standardized maintenance and inspection procedures, parts inventory and training capabilities, Yutong continues to deliver on its “EnRoute+” global service commitment. As Yutong’s first comprehensive service center in Europe, the facility further underscores the company’s long-term commitment to serving European customers. Building on the Norway service center, Yutong will continue to advance its localized service approach in markets including the Netherlands, Chile, Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia. These efforts will strengthen local capabilities in electric bus repair, maintenance and inspection, improve service responsiveness, create more high-quality local jobs and support the electrification and low-carbon transition of public transport.

For more information on Yutong Service Center and “EnRoute+” global service commitment, please visit https://en.yutong.com/.

SOURCE Yutong Bus

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Stablecoin Summit 2026 by XREX Group Returns to Singapore as Stablecoins Mature Into a Financial Infrastructure

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11 minutes ago

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September 10, 2026

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SINGAPORE, Sept. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Stablecoin Summit 2026, Asia’s premier event for stablecoin innovation, organised and hosted by XREX Group for the fourth consecutive year, returns to Andaz Singapore on 8 October 2026, bringing together the stablecoin industry’s most senior decision-makers.

“Stablecoins have become an independent industry, and we are witnessing it move toward a trillion-dollar market,” said Wayne Huang, Co-founder and Group CEO of XREX Group, host of Stablecoin Summit. “Real-world adoption is creating momentum for deeper financial integration. As blockchain finance and traditional finance converge, interoperability across stablecoins will become increasingly important. Stablecoins are redefining how money moves, clears, and settles. That is why we created Stablecoin Summit as a dedicated platform for this industry.”

Ranked the world’s most crypto-friendly city in 2026, Singapore has built one of Asia’s deepest regulated stablecoin markets. The city-state has consistently moved early on financial innovation, with 37 licensed digital payment token firms and MAS-led Project BLOOM testing stablecoins for domestic and cross-border settlement. This combination of regulatory clarity, financial expertise and a willingness to test new models in practice provides a strong setting for discussions on the future of stablecoins.

“XREX Singapore is a regulated Major Payment Institution licensed by the MAS, giving us a firsthand view of how regulation, technology and business needs are converging around stablecoins,” said Winston Hsiao, Co-founder and Group CRO of XREX Group. “The evolution of the speakers and participants at our Summit reflects the evolution of the industry itself. From crypto-native players to banks, financial institutions and regulators, the people at the table today tell the story of how stablecoins have moved into mainstream finance.”

In its fourth edition, Stablecoin Summit will feature more than 30 speakers and over 600 attendees from across the financial industry, bringing together senior leaders from stablecoin issuers, banks, payment providers, asset managers, and institutions, as well as regulators and policymakers. Key discussions will explore institutional adoption, the development of new stablecoin models and currencies, cross-border financial infrastructure, and the regulatory and trust frameworks needed for the industry to scale.

Confirmed speakers include:

Wayne Huang, Co-founder and Group CEO, XREX GroupWinston Hsiao, Co-founder and Group CRO, XREX GroupMaximilian Roszko, Business Development, Curve FinanceMichal Selbka, Director, DeFi and Digital Assets, S&P Global RatingsStani Kulechov, Founder and CEO, Aave LabsHassan Ahmed, Country Director, Singapore, CoinbaseRaja Chakravorti, Chief Business Officer, Stellar Development FoundationBhaumik Kotecha, Co-founder of Paxos LabsWill Nuelle, General Partner, Galaxy VenturesTushar Gulhane, Regional Lead, SAP

“Thanks to the foresight of our hosts, XREX Group, Stablecoin Summit Singapore has been fully focused on real-world applications, institutional adoption and payments since our first edition in 2023. Singapore’s role as a banking hub, regional HQ, and home away from home for millions of workers makes it a natural home for the stablecoin conversation in APAC. The summit’s role is to connect the institutions, fintech firms and stablecoin issuers moving the money of tomorrow, accelerating the adoption of stablecoins in Singapore and APAC,” said Zachary John, Founder and CEO of Party Action People, the key event partner of Stablecoin Summit since its inception.

Stablecoin Summit 2026 is supported by title sponsors Curve and Bridge, with support from S&P Global Ratings, Enterprise Ethereum Alliance, Midas, Frankencoin, Stellar, Spark, f(x) Protocol, Nara and Accountable.

Registration and the full agenda are available at stablecoinsummit.com.

About XREX Group:

XREX Group is a blockchain-enabled financial institution working with banks, regulators, and users to redefine banking together. We provide services to businesses in or dealing with emerging markets, and novice-friendly financial services to individuals worldwide.

Founded in 2018, XREX Group offers a full suite of services such as digital asset custody, wallet, cross-border payment, fiat-crypto conversion, cryptocurrency exchange, and fiat currency on-off ramps.

Sharing the social responsibility of financial inclusion, XREX leverages blockchain technologies to further financial participation, access, and education.

XREX Singapore operates under the Major Payment Institution (MPI) license issued by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). XREX Taiwan is a regulated VASP that completed its Compliance Declaration on Anti-Money Laundering (AML) with Taiwan’s Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC) in March 2022. It passed its AML registration with the FSC in September 2025, becoming one of ten approved VASPs.

About Party Action People:

Party Action People is the Singapore-based event agency behind the stablecoin industry’s most talked-about gatherings — built to bring issuers, central banks, DeFi protocols, and TradFi institutions into one room to get real deals done, not just swap business cards. Since 2021, the team has produced Stable Summit (launched Paris, 2023), Stablecoin Summit — now heading into its Singapore edition on 8 October 2026 at Andaz Singapore — plus Vault Summit, Agentic Finance Day, and the Blockchain Oracle Summit. Past speakers span Tether, Anchorage Digital, EY, Mastercard, PayPal, Western Union, Curve, MakerDAO, Circle and Frax.

Media contact: Yoyo Yu
Email: yoyoyu@xrex.io

Media contact: Vasundhara Singh
Email: vasundhara@yapglobal.com

Media contact: Mansha Bakshi
Email: mansha@yapglobal.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/stablecoin-summit-2026-by-xrex-group-returns-to-singapore-as-stablecoins-mature-into-a-financial-infrastructure-302874544.html

SOURCE XREX Group

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