By Katelyn Norris, Staff Writer
Bellarmine University will hold its first TEDx event Friday in the Black Box Theatre at 4 p.m. The theme of the event is “Who are we? Past, present, future.” Sixteen speakers will showcase who we are as people and give insight into where we’ve come from and where we’re going.
The event took years of planning, organizing and determination, and it’s all thanks to the TEDx core team. The team is made up of Dr. Shawn Apostel, staff members, current students and even a few former students.
“Five years ago a student and I… were watching TED videos in my office and we just thought, ‘What would it take to get a TED talk here?’ And little by little, step by step, you go the process,” Apostel said.
Volunteers pitched in to help the core team. Many Louisville residents, Bellarmine faculty and students helped set up the event. The goal was to create an experience to remember.
“It’s not just a convention, it’s a TED convention,” core team member Grayson Rohrig said.
The speakers are from all walks of life and will discuss a wide range of topics. The lineup includes renowned speakers from the community, Bellarmine faculty and staff members, current and former Bellarmine students and a high schooler.
The TEDx event can be experienced in two ways. Attendees can purchase tickets to be in the Black Box Theatre with the speakers or they can purchase tickets for the Cralle Theatre, where they can watch the livestream of the event at a reduced price. Both locations are in Wyatt Hall.
The TEDx core team hopes the event continues far into the future.
“We are hoping this will be the first in a series. Once you get the licenses you’re allowed to do it every year. We are hoping to do it every year,” Apostel said.
Many students have said they hope Bellarmine holds more TEDx events in the future.
“I’m really excited and looking forward to hearing all the speakers at the TED Talk event,” Bellarmine student Madison Devillez said.
Bellarmine students can purchase tickets at a discounted price. Promo codes “BUFAMILY” and “BUSGA19” can be used for $25 off general admission in the Black Box Theatre and $10 off general admission in the Cralle Theatre, respectively.
For more information about the TEDx event, the Core Team, event speakers, or to purchase tickets, visit www.bellarmine.edu/TEDx.