TED Talk program kicks off

Seton Hill University’s new “TED Talk” Talk program took place Sept. 19 and will now be a recurring event on every third Friday of the month. Sponsored by the Office of Student Engagement, a Ted Talk video will be viewed and informally discussed over the lunch hour. The event will run from 11:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m.

TED began in 1984 as a conference where Technology, Entertainment and Design came together. Today, the talks cover a variety of topics.

“We believe passionately in the power of ideas to change attitudes, lives and, ultimately, the world,” says TED’s mission statement.

The Office of Student Engagement now has control of the MediaSphere, which used to be a part of the Title III grant, and this will be the location for the talks.

“We were trying to think of ways to encourage people, including those who aren’t gamers, to come use the space,” said Jaimie Steel, a member of the Office of Student Engagement. “We put together the TED talks to get a fresh group of customers.”

The MediaSphere was developed and designed as a space to be used for both social gatherings or as a classroom. It is capable of hosting a variety of interactive and assistive technologies that will help with faculty, staff, and student interaction.

While it has been primarily faculty and staff who have shown interest in the program so far, students are encouraged to attend as well. The program will start between classes in a better attempt to avoid a time conflict.

Current suggested topics for the “TED Talk” program include vulnerability, engaging in the intelligence of the heart, the happy secret to better work, and everyday leadership.

“We want it to be a forum for discussion on topics that speak to developing our students and staff as a whole person. We’re going to try to address intellectual topics that wouldn’t necessarily be covered on a quiz or exam,” said Steel.

If you have a suggestion for a topic or video, share it with Jaimie Steel at steel@setonhill.edu.

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