When Your Grandpa Is a Bot: AI, Death, and Digital Doppelgangers
2025-11-13 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Red Cross Building, 605 Barnes Street, Vancouver, 98661, United States
After his father passed away, Muhammad Aurangzeb Ahmad brought him back—digitally. To give his young children the experience of knowing their grandfather, he created an artificial intelligence (AI) simulation he called “Grandpa Bot” that could act like his father. As his kids grow up interacting with Grandpa Bot, Ahmad has had to confront firsthand the increasingly blurred lines between what is human and what is code.
In this talk, Ahmad uses his experience to explore how artificial intelligence will transform our society, culture, and relationships. How might AI change what it means to be human? What does it mean to remember a loved one? What is personal identity? Join him for a talk about how technology is shaking up the foundational questions of life.
Thursday, November 13, 2025
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Red Cross Building
605 Barnes St., Vancouver
Part of the Humanities WA Speakers Series presented by Hawthorn Senior Living

Muhammad Aurangzeb Ahmad (he/him) is a research scientist at the University of Washington’s Harborview Medical Center and an affiliate assistant professor in the department of Computer Science at the University of Washington, Bothell. He earned his PhD in computer science from the University of Minnesota. His research focuses on artificial intelligence, algorithmic nudging (using algorithms to change human behavior), and personality emulation (software that can act like humans). He thinks extensively about the social, cultural, and ethical impact of AI and machine learning.
Ahmad lives in Bothell.
This program is offered free of charge, but space is limited. Please reserve your spot HERE.
Thank you to Humanities WA for their support in bringing this event to Vancouver. Special thanks to the NAACP Vancouver for joining us as our promotional partner for our 2025 series of speaker events.

Ne Plus Ultra Jass at Providence Academy
2025-11-14 19:00 - 21:00 | Washington
Come to dance or just to listen at the historic Academy Ballroom!
Since 2016, The Ne Plus Ultra Jass Orchestra has been delighting audiences with the music of the roaring 20s and Depression era 30s.
Under the leadership of master showman Sammuel Murry-Hawkins, the ensemble transports audiences to the golden age of Hot Jazz and Sweet Dance Music, specializing in the tunes of Cab Calloway, Irving Berlin, Duke Ellington, and George Gershwin.
Guaranteed to delight and put a pep in your step!
To make the event accessible to all, ticket prices are set at $16. Tickets are available at the door or on line at The Historic Music Preservation Project.

Party on the Plaza presented by Columbia Credit Union
2025-12-05 16:00 - 20:00 | Providence Academy, 400 E. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver, WA, 98660, United States
The Historic Trust is excited to welcome the entire community to Providence Academy for a party to celebrate the completion of the new Sacred Heart Plaza at Ed Lynch Square! Watch a live ice sculpture carving demonstration and enjoy a free hot cocoa outdoors while exploring elements of the plaza and the historic Sacred Heart path. Step inside to visit the stunning Providence Academy Chapel, and learn more from our volunteer docents about this incredible landmark designed by Mother Joseph of the Sacred Heart in 1873. While on the first floor, stop in for a free visit with Santa Claus, with a fun free craft project for kids and a “Snowman Soup” takeaway, while supplies last. Free reservations for scheduled Santa visits are encouraged but are not required.
SANTA RESERVATIONS
This celebration honors a great community treasure – Providence Academy – as it continues to evolve through adaptive reuse to remain a vibrant hub of downtown activity for generations to come!

SOLD OUT! Holiday Tea at the Marshall House
2025-12-13 14:00 - 15:30 | The Marshall House, 1301 Officers Row, Vancouver, WA, 98661, United States
The Marshall House will be beautifully decked out for the holidays, and we want to share it with you! Join us at the beautiful Marshall House for our Holiday Tea, Saturday, December 13th. With a delicious menu and delightful teas, this is a special holiday event that you do not want to miss!
Choose from one of two seatings, 11 am or 2 pm. Space is limited.
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
Thank you to our sponsor, Waste Connections!
