Student voices take center stage at TEDxBGSU this March

BGSU students, faculty, staff and alumni to share stories and ideas around one central theme: the public good

By Branden Ferguson

A diverse array of speakers is set to take the stage for this year's TEDxBGSU, an independently organized speaker series.

The lineup brings together a dynamic mix of perspectives from every corner of Bowling Green State University, including five faculty members, three staff members, several alumni and a strong contingent of students. Notably, more than one-third of the speakers are undergraduates – a reflection of the University's commitment to student experience and opportunities.

Centered on the theme "For The Public Good," the all-day event will take place on Thursday, March 19, in the Bowen-Thompson Student Union and is free and open to the public.

"While there are many opportunities at BGSU for students to present their work and ideas through research symposium, conference and classrooms, TEDxBGSU uniquely requires speakers to be leaders and innovators in sharing their ideas," said Kendra Lutes, associate director of the C. Raymond Marvin Center for Student Leadership and Civic Engagement. "Speaking at TEDxBGSU affords students a masterclass in storytelling and communicating why their work has the potential to change the world and community around them."

The event is scheduled from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., with presentations about creativity, critique, care, conviction and catalyst. Featured topics include:

• Building with almost nothing: How scarcity creates better quality
• Becoming vibrant: Overcoming the"nonchalant" college aesthetic
• Redefining masculinity: Beyond "Be a man"
• The power of the spark: Prioritizing experience and access in education
• Emotional wiring: How understanding your psyche changes how you love, react and heal

"TEDxBGSU continues to elevate BGSU in the community as it affords the thought leaders in our communities to speak their ideas and contributions for the public good," said Lutes. "The perpetual nature of TED talks living on the internet forever for anyone to consume is a unique feature of this program. BGSU students, faculty and staff can share their ideas at TEDxBGSU, and those videos generate lasting energy around their topics for years to come."

For more information, a full list of speakers or to register for the event, visit TEDxBGSU.