Second annual TEDxUSD held in Aalfs Auditorium

New ideas and motivational speeches was the name of the game Saturday in Aalfs Auditorium as seven speakers from around the state aimed to inspire about 150 people at the second annual TedxUSD event.

Event organizers have been planning the occasion since earlier this year. John Slunecka, the event coordinator, said the presentations showcased what TEDx Talks are all about.

“We’re hoping to have this (event) be an example of what TEDxUSD can be, should be,” Slunecka said. “It will encourage people to come again next year.”

Cole Hensley, the CEO of TEDxUSD, said the event was well-executed because of the student-run executive staff.

“We are very privileged that we have such exceptional students here at USD who want to make this happen and are so dedicated and so motivated to bring this event together,” Hensley said. “This is really a unique scenario how we have so many motivated students on campus who are willing to put multiple events like this together.”

The speakers’ talks ranged from teaching children the importance of the arts to building community in schools to understanding fears. Following the talks, the Rawlins Trio closed the event with a performance of “Trio in C minor” by
Dmitri Shostakovich.

When deciding on speakers, Hensley said it was a lot of “venting” with the executive team during their meetings, and taking into consideration who the audience was.

“We definitely tried to touch on some that would pertain to every single school on campus,” Hensley said. “But we also thought about issues that also pertained to South Dakota — how can we help South Dakota?”

Slunecka said it was important to bring in local speakers.

“We decided to get speakers from around the region just to showcase what South Dakota and the northern Midwest is capable of doing,” Slunecka said.

Slunecka said planning the event has been going on for about eight months. The event had many sponsors, including the Student Government Association, who awarded more than $10,000; the Center for Diversity & Community; Student Services; USD Graduate School; the College of Arts and Sciences; the Honors Program and Michael and Michell Williams.

“We’re very excited that they were willing to help us out when we really needed it,” Slunecka said. “We’re really appreciative of all of them.”

Hensley said he likes the learning aspect of TEDx Talks.

“It’s ideas worth spreading,” he said. “We’re giving this huge platform for local speakers, who might not necessarily have the means of spreading their ideas, and getting it out not only in our own community, but across South Dakota.”

Noah Thompson, a sophomore accounting and finance major, said the event was “great.”

“It was definitely a huge step up from last year, and it’s exponentially growing,” Thompson said. “I think they’re reaching out to a bigger audience every single year, and it’s great to simply connect with all the speakers and their powerful, passionate stories they have to share.”

Maria Brady, a sophomore political science major, said she appreciated the hard work the staff put into the show.

“I have watched them as they put together this event through the past year, and the amount of work and effort is amazing for collegiate-level students to do,” Brady said. “Moving on towards that, this is only the second year of TEDxUSD, and I think the potential is huge.”

For upcoming years, Slunecka said he hopes to draw in more people. Last year about 100 people attended the event which was held in Farber Hall in Old Main. The event was moved to Aalfs Auditorium this year to accommodate a larger crowd. About 150 people attended.

“Next year, we’re planning on promoting earlier,” Slunecka said. “We’ve learned a lot through this process, and it’s incredibly difficult to get the word out to people.”

Hensley said having the event reach even larger attendance this year will make TEDxUSD only grow more.

“It really helped us with growing, because we had that old license from TEDx, which limited us to 100 individuals, whereas, now we’re able to grow the show,” Hensley said. “My favorite part about planning the event is probably going to the show, and you’re seeing this all come together, and it just makes the countless, sleepless nights when you’re working… and you realize it’s all worth it when you see the show come alive.”

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