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SALISBURY, MD---More than 100 ºÚÁÏÍø community members and invited guests recently participated in SU’s inaugural TEDx event: University Experience.

The virtual event highlighted individual experiences and perspectives in higher education, with topics ranging from mental health, to interdisciplinary education, to the importance of art in advertising.

“I had a set a personal goal for my college experience to bring something to SU that it didn’t have before,” said senior and SU TEDx executive director Anna Brennan. “I looked around and saw so many brilliant people on this campus and knew we needed a new platform to highlight their voices and ideas so everyone can hear them.” 

The event was sponsored by SU’s TEDx Club, Phi Eta Sigma national freshman honor society, and Glenda Chatham and Robert G. Clarke Honors College. Its theme was “the university experience,” including student, faculty, alumni and guest speakers. 

“The university experience is vastly different for everyone,” said Brennan. “Despite different life stories, beliefs and choices, in this moment our paths crossed, so why not inspire and listen to one another?” 

Topics and speakers included:

•    “Live, Lab, Love: The Journey to Science Communication,” with viral Tik-Tok creator Darrion Nguyen (@LabShenanigans) on the importance of educational yet relatable online content to make science more accessible. 

•    “How Educational Theatre Improves Lives,” with SU student Emma Shankman on how participation in the arts early in adolescence can help students overcome challenges, improve social skills and provide a sense of belonging. 

•    “It Could All Be So Simple: Why the Dopeness and All of the Cool Stuff is in the Details,” with SU alumnus Donovan Mack on building a personal brand and making a name for oneself in college and beyond.

•    “Art and Advertising as Game Changers of Society,” with Manuel Oliver, activist and parent of Marjory Stoneman Douglas high school shooting victim, on how art can convey emotions and difficult ideas while promoting healing.

•    “Re-Orientation Day: Dismantling Power Dynamics Across Higher Education in the U.S.,” with SU student Aman Shahzad on the value humanities and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) have on the undergraduate experience.

•    “You Are More Than What Happens to You,” with SU student Shelby Gash on writing one’s own story despite obstacles life throws in the way and putting one’s mental health first. 

•    “It Might Be Your Professor’s Fault,” with Dr. Anthony Rojas, SU assistant professor of chemistry, on making the university experience about more than just the classroom and training educators to create a conducive environment so all can be successful. 

For more information call 410-543-6030 or visit the SU website.