TEDxSIUC, an independently organized event featuring live TED talks, is coming to Southern Illinois University Carbondale on March 30, and tickets are now available for purchase online. It’s happening at the SIU Student Center, 1255 Lincoln Drive in Carbondale, from 1 to 5 p.m.
Diverse speakers
The 2024 event will feature an eclectic blend of speakers, sharing diverse perspectives and knowledge. They include:
- Christopher E. Swims, a community leader and educator and SIU alumnus with a bachelor’s degree in speech communications. Swims will share an energizing and powerful message about maintaining authenticity across various roles in life
- Bruce DeRuntz, a professor in SIU’s School of Applied Engineering and Technology and director of the university’s award-winning Leadership Development Program, has extensive engineering and leadership experience and will share insights on leveraging millennial and Gen Z strengths to tackle global challenges.
- Ann Latham, author and consultant known as “Queen of Clarity,” wrote “The Power of Clarity,” “The Disconnect Principle” and other works. She will explore the transformative power of clear communication and decision-making in boosting organizational performance.
- Toussaint Mitchell, congressional staff member, SIU alumnus and former Undergraduate Student Government member, will draw from his civic leadership engagement and experience and demonstrate the importance of social skills in professional and personal growth.
- Imani McHenry, cybersecurity educator, will highlight the critical need for cybercrime awareness and preparedness and advocate for a unified defense against digital threats.
- Matthew Sebalja, a senior SIU marketing and economics major documentary filmmaker from St. Louis, who delves into the interplay between mental health and creativity, advocates for a reinvigoration of creative thought in education and life.
- Karen Cupp, a multimillionaire entrepreneur and traveler, will share her transformative global journey, emphasizing chaos as a catalyst for personal growth and discovery of life’s purpose.
- Ryan Reed, an SIU rehabilitation counseling and education doctoral student, athlete and coach, will explore the nuanced physical and mental challenges athletes face, advocating for a culture where pain is acknowledged, and help is sought.
Purchase tickets now
Tickets are available online now for $15 plus a handling fee. SIU students receive a special rate of $7 plus handling fees by entering the code Student24. Seating is limited.
For more information, contact the Office of Student Engagement at 618-453-5714 or email TEDx@siu.edu.
Making it happen
A committee of more than a dozen students and staff dedicated to bringing about positive change on campus, in the region and beyond has organized the SIU event. Learn more about them on the TedXSIUC website.
The emcee is Jeff McGoy, a double alumnus of SIU with master’s and bachelor’s degrees in speech communication. McGoy has more than two decades of experience as a motivational speaker, energizing his audiences with enthusiasm and increase their self-awareness.
Sponsors include Naomi Ariel Catering, SIU Vice Chancelor for Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, SIU Undergraduate Student Government, SIU Graduate and Professional Student Council and WSIU.
