Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont engaged with local business leaders, students, and faculty on economic growth, the future of AI, ethical leadership, and the lasting impact of mentorship inspired by Charles F. Dolan.
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont’s visit to Fairfield University on February 18 offered a unique opportunity for business leaders, students, and faculty to engage in meaningful discussions on Connecticut's economic future, technological innovation, and the power of mentorship, while honoring the legacy of Charles F. Dolan.
The day began with the 2025 Capital Breakfast at Fairfield University’s Leo D. Mahoney Arena, a collaborative event hosted by the Bridgeport Regional Business Council (BRBC), Fairfield Chamber of Commerce, Monroe Chamber of Commerce, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Bridgeport, and Southern Connecticut Black Chamber of Commerce. Presented by AT&T, the regional economic development breakfast brought together about 300 local business leaders, community members, and policymakers to hear directly from the governor about his legislative priorities and plans for Connecticut’s economic future.
Governor Lamont discussed initiatives that will shape the state’s business landscape, economic strategies, legislative updates, and how the state is fostering an environment that supports local businesses and communities. He discussed his confidence in Connecticut's current position, highlighting the state's $4+ billion rainy day fund. Moving forward, he identified housing as a critical issue for the state's growth and highlighted the state's commitment to increasing housing, especially workforce housing. “I need workforce housing. I need a place for folks to live. I need a place for single people to live,” the governor said, pointing to ongoing developments, including growth in Bridgeport.
Following the breakfast, Governor Lamont transitioned to a more intimate setting at the Charles F. Dolan School of Business, where he took part in a special session with students in the "Data Mining and Applications" course taught by associate professor and chair of the Department of Analytics Yasin Ozcelik, PhD. With a strong interest in technological innovation, the governor spoke with students about artificial intelligence. He also shared personal reflections on the influential role of Charles F. Dolan, P’86, ’85, GP’16, Trustee Emeritus of Fairfield University, visionary benefactor, and namesake of the Dolan School of Business. Lamont recalled how Dolan had been a mentor to him in his career, providing invaluable guidance and insight into both business and leadership.
“I really wanted to come to the Dolan Business School to tell you a little story about entrepreneurship and what Chuck Dolan meant to me. And I'll tell you, as an entrepreneur and an innovator, he would love to have been right where you are on the eve of what AI is going to mean to this country.”
The conversation covered thought-provoking and complex topics surrounding AI, ethics, innovation, and regulation. Governor Lamont highlighted Connecticut’s potential to lead in AI, drawing parallels to the state's early leadership in the cable TV industry and Charles F. Dolan's role in its growth. “I think you're on the cusp of what we had with cable back in 1980 where we went from three channels, to 54 channels, to 108 channels," he said. "You're on the cusp of the same thing right now in terms of artificial intelligence and IT.”
