Clearly some folks think AI technology has value, and bets have been getting placed for many years.
The pace of AI technology evolution from 1956 to now is likely very different from what will happen from now through the next 5-10 years.
And I suspect a broader range of folks are, and will be involved in biz and tech leadership during this period.
Here is an example:
https://www.theaireport.ai/articles/mira-murati-net-worth-2025-ex-openai-ctos-fortune
She attended a great engineering school just a 10-15 minute walk from that plaque.