Sundar Pichai Skips AI in Stanford Commencement Talk
Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai spoke to Stanford graduates but did not mention AI in his remarks, a notable omission given AI’s prominence in tech and industry discussions.
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Stanford grads walk out as Google CEO addresses ceremony amid AI protests
Dozens of Stanford graduates walked out during Sundar Pichai's keynote amid protests over Google's work with the US government and AI. Pichai largely dodged AI questions, joking about his surname, while protesters displayed signs such as 'ICE spies with Google AI' and highlighted concerns about AI's impact on jobs and civil liberties; the incident mirrors broader campus unease about AI and tech giants.
Stanford grads boo Google CEO as Nimbus ties spark commencement protest
At Stanford’s 135th Commencement, Google/Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai faced boos and walkouts from graduates protesting Google’s ties to Israel and the $1.2 billion Nimbus cloud contract, even as a “People’s Commencement” on campus amplified Gaza activism; Pichai delivered a largely optimistic, broadly tech-neutral speech about making meaningful decisions, while campus activism around Gaza and divestment has persisted, including arrests and hunger strikes tied to antisemitism investigations at U.S. universities.
Stanford Commencement Faces Walkout Over Nimbus Deal as Sundar Pichai Speaks
More than 100 Stanford graduates walked out of the commencement as Google CEO Sundar Pichai spoke, with chants of “Free, free Palestine” signaling protest over Google’s involvement in Project Nimbus, a cloud contract with Israel. Organized by Students for Justice in Palestine and No Tech for Apartheid, the demonstration highlighted concerns about how tech firms’ government partnerships could affect Palestinians. Pichai, a Stanford alumnus, continued his address focusing on optimism and adaptation amid the disruption, reflecting a broader wave of campus activism targeting Big Tech and AI issues.
Stanford unveils 120-nm, label-free microscope for real-time live-cell imaging
Stanford researchers developed Interferometric Image Scanning Microscopy (iISM), a label-free instrument that reaches ~120-nanometer resolution inside living cells by merging interferometric scattering with array-based detection, enabling real-time observation of cellular structures with less light and no fluorescent labels. It complements fluorescence microscopy and opens new avenues for studying pathogen interactions, drug entry, and malaria-related cell changes, with plans to broaden access and collaborations.
Notre Dame Expands Football Slate With Stanford and Kent State
Notre Dame announced it will add future football games against Stanford and Kent State, expanding the Fighting Irish’s schedule with non-conference opponents.
Notre Dame Announces 2027-28 Schedule: Kent State Debut and Stanford Legends Trophy Rematches
Notre Dame announced its 2027-28 football schedule, including a first-time home game against Kent State on Oct. 2, 2027, and the continuation of the Legends Trophy rivalry with Stanford, with ND hosting Stanford on Nov. 27, 2027 and Stanford visiting ND on Oct. 14, 2028 - these will be the 41st and 42nd meetings in the series, with ND leading 25-14-0.
Chasing Fraud at Stanford: A Sharp but Flawed Look at Silicon Valley Culture
Washington Monthly reviews Theo Baker’s How to Rule the World as a gripping, three-part mix of investigative journalism, ethnography, and memoir that centers on Stanford’s culture of fraud and the Tessier-Lavigne fallout, while noting Baker’s outspoken disdain for his subjects sometimes undermines his analysis and his political mapping of tech culture is underdeveloped. Nevertheless, the book is a persuasive, film-worthy account of accountability in Silicon Valley rooted in strong reporting.
Tar Heels Punch Ticket to NCAA Final Four with 14-11 Win Over Stanford
UNC's No. 2-ranked women's lacrosse teambeat Stanford 14-11 at Dorrance Field to advance to the NCAA semifinals, where they'll face Maryland. Kaleigh Harden led with seven draw controls, seven caused turnovers and three ground balls, while Chloe Humphrey and Addison Pattillo each had hat tricks and Caroline Godine and Eva Ingrilli added two goals apiece, supported by Kate Levy’s goal and three assists as UNC forced 14 turnovers and built an 8-4 halftime lead. The Tar Heels are now 15-time NCAA semifinalists, the third-most in history, and will play Maryland on May 22 in Evanston for a shot at the title.
BTS Sparks Three Sold-Out Nights at Stanford Stadium
K-pop mega-band BTS returns to the stage with three sold-out shows at Stanford Stadium as part of the Arirang World Tour, drawing about 150,000 fans over May 16, 17, and 19 and marking their first major tour since 2019. The events will affect campus traffic and parking, feature 5:30–10 p.m. sound, and include fireworks each night, with Stanford Live and Stanford Athletics collaborating on logistics and community impact.
District-by-District Test Scores Echo a Decade of Decline in U.S. Math and Reading
Stanford's Educational Opportunity Project, linked with NAEP, shows third- to eighth-grade math and reading scores have declined over the past decade. The Times provides a district-by-district lookup for changes since 2015, with exclusions for states and districts lacking data (e.g., New York); where 2015 data are missing, baseline scores come from the 2014–2016 average to enable cross-district comparisons.
Two aging milestones revealed: the body shifts at 44 and 60, study finds
A Stanford-led study of 108 participants aged 25–75 found that aging is marked by two sharp molecular and microbial shifts, occurring precisely at ages 44 and 60. About 81% of the molecules analyzed changed in these windows, affecting cardiovascular and immune-system pathways and suggesting midlife is a critical period for aging. Researchers note lifestyle and genetics may influence these shifts and advise adopting healthier habits in one's 40s and 60s.
Former Cardinal edge Josh Mauro dies at 35
Josh Mauro, a Stanford grad who played 80 NFL games (40 starts) across the Arizona Cardinals, New York Giants and Oakland Raiders and recorded five sacks and 130 tackles, has died at age 35. The cause of death wasn’t disclosed, and tributes poured in from former teammates and teams, including Raiders star Maxx Crosby who called Mauro a mentor and friend.
Bay Area legend John Brodie dies at 90, 49ers quarterback era icon
John Brodie, the 1970 NFL MVP who spent his entire 17-year NFL career with the 49ers and ranks among the franchise's passing leaders, died at age 90. A Stanford alumnus and two-time Pro Bowler, Brodie helped the 49ers reach multiple playoff appearances, had his No. 12 retired in 1973, later competed on the Senior PGA Tour and worked as an NBC Sports analyst before suffering a massive stroke in 2000. He remains a revered figure in Bay Area football history.
Okorie's 36 Push Stanford Past UNC in Palo Alto
Ebuka Okorie poured in a career-best 36 points with nine assists to lift Stanford to a 95-90 win over North Carolina in Palo Alto. Stanford buried 16 of 28 threes (10 of 16 in the second half), while UNC led for 37:56 but couldn’t close, hampered by late turnovers and a cold second half from deep (1-for-9). Caleb Wilson and Henri Veesaar each finished with 26, going 12-for-12 from two in the final 20 minutes, and Luka Bogavac added 13 for Stanford. UNC had only seven assists on 32 made baskets, illustrating a ball-python offense, and the Tar Heels will look to rebound at Cal next.