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V O L . X X V I I I N O. X V I I I A U G U S T 2 2 , 2 0 2 2 10 G R E AT E R B A N G O R / N O R T H E R N M A I N E T his past spring, students and profes- sors from Husson University visited the local Geaghan's Pub & Brewery, but they weren't knocking back brews. Rather, the purpose was to record digital "maps" of the facility with video cameras and iPads. ey mapped the overall spaces but also details such as the dining room, service and bar set-ups. e group returned to campus to begin work- ing with the files, using the latest digital technology that would render them as images for simulated experiences using virtual reality headsets and other mixed reality instrumentation. e goal? To create simulations that would allow hospitality students to practice working in a restaurant environment without actually being in a restaurant. With the institution of diverse technologies, Husson is on a fast track to grow this capability in a way that would benefit students and businesses. And according to leaders at the university, it has great potential, both immediate and yet to be uncovered. Dean Marie Hansen and School of Technology and Innovation Assistant Professor Michael Knupp near a timeline of Husson's history leading up to the Extended Reality program. F O C U S New, more efficient practices and thoughtful integration of technology are a must to stay competitive and profitable in the world today. — Andrew Geaghan Geaghan's Pub & Brewery P H O T O / F R E D F I E L D "If you were to ask any business, 'How do you think Excel or a website or a social media pres- ence would help your business, 10 out of 10 people totally know how it could add value," says Michael Knupp, director of Husson's School of Technology and Innovation. "But if you were to ask, 'How can you integrate VR into your business?' one in 10 might have an answer. It's an emerging space. We have a vision." Andrew Geaghan, the pub's owner and brewer, says the collaboration helps his business stay on the cutting edge to compete with both local competitors and, more so, with national franchises and chains that utilize the most efficient technology and practices. "While we may have the vision from time to time to see trends coming, partnering with Husson on this, and many other projects like this one, allows us the ability to swing out of our weight class and really propel our business' vision of the future to a whole new level," Geaghan says. "New, more efficient practices and thoughtful integration of technology are a must to stay competitive and profitable in the world today." Merging digital and physical space Husson's capabilities for technology and innovation are located in Harold Alfond Hall, the new home of the College of Business, which opened a year ago and also houses schools of accounting, business and management, hospitality, sport and tourism man- agement, and legal studies. B y L a u r i e S c h r e i b e r Husson gets real with simulation technology to train students for careers

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