TEDxUTEP Puts Access and Excellence in Spotlight
Last Updated on December 10, 2018 at 12:00 AM
Originally published December 10, 2018
By Victor R. Martinez
UTEP Communications
In February 2019, The University of Texas at El Paso will host TEDxUTEP.
Independently organized to foster learning, inspiration and conversation on topics relevant to the local community, TEDx events include live speakers and previously recorded TED Talks. TED describes itself as a nonprofit organization devoted to spreading ideas through short, powerful talks. It is a global community welcoming people from every discipline and culture who seek a deeper understanding of the world.
“Our topic is access and excellence, which aligns with UTEP’s mission,” said Laurie Banitch, director of corporate engagement for the University’s Office of Asset Management and Development. “The beauty of TED Talks and TEDx events is that speakers discuss and share their take or spin on the event topic.”
TEDxUTEP will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 2, 2019, at Union Cinema in Union Building East.
Students, faculty, staff and alumni are welcome to the TEDx UTEP event. Organizers hope to have 250 attendees.
Banitch said live speakers will include UTEP students, faculty, alumni and staff from various disciplines who will share their unique perspectives on access and excellence. She hopes to schedule up to 10 individuals for the program, including Danny Olivas, Ph.D., special adviser to the dean of UTEP’ College of Engineering and former NASA astronaut; and Grammy Award-winning cellist Zuill Bailey, who have already agreed to participate.
“It’s important for our students to hear from UTEP graduates who have gone on to do great things,” Banitch said. “Our students are already very driven, but if they have the chance to listen to – and be inspired by – stories from successful Miners, they will discover that there really are no limits to what they can accomplish.”
The University received a free license from TED earlier this year. TED lends its brand to institutions for TEDx events, which are modeled after TED Talks.
The TEDx planning committee is in the process of launching the speaker application and will review and identify additional speakers through December.
“This is just another example of how UTEP is working to put ourselves on both the national and international stage,” said Ryan Saenz, corporate development analyst for the Office of Asset Management and Development. “TEDx UTEP is great way to engage UTEP students, faculty, staff and alumni in an effort to show the world what UTEP has to offer.”
For more information, visit tedx.utep.edu.