TEDxNMSU brings ideas, voices together for first campus event

As a volunteer, Chukwuebuka Ebenezer Osuji had the opportunity to experience how powerful ideas, inspiring stories and meaningful initiatives shared on a TEDx stage could influence people and communities. Now a doctoral student at New Mexico State University, Osuji was a spark in bringing TEDx to NMSU. 

The inaugural TEDxNMSU event will be held from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, at Corbett Center Student Union on the Las Cruces campus. 

"When I arrived at New Mexico State University, I was struck by the diversity of the NMSU and Las Cruces communities," said Osuji, who is pursuing a Ph.D. in kinesiology. "There are people from different cultures, disciplines, backgrounds and walks of life, each with unique experiences and stories worth sharing. I felt that TEDxNMSU could become a unifying platform — one that brings these voices together, celebrates our diversity and gives people an opportunity to share ideas that can inspire change. What started as a conversation is now becoming something much bigger, and hopefully, the beginning of an important chapter in the history of NMSU and the Las Cruces community." 

The theme for the debut of TEDxNMSU is collective spark, which explores the powerful ideas that emerge when people come together across disciplines, cultures and communities. Rooted in the land-grant mission of education, research and public service, this TEDx event highlights conversations that inspire innovation, connection and meaningful change.

"TEDxNMSU provides the opportunity to build confidence, develop leadership skills and share ideas that can inspire others," said NMSU President Valerio Ferme. "It also brings people together across disciplines and experiences, creating the kind of exchange that sparks new ideas and possibilities. We're proud to see this initiative take root at NMSU."

This year's slate of speakers include Lucinda Banegas-Carreon, Matheus Cezarotto, James Hall

Oluwatosin Saibu, Jasmine Brett Stringer and Jason Wyatt. Ross Marks, NMSU digital filmmaking associate professor, will be the keynote speaker. 

"There is something special about being involved in the beginning of an initiative that has the potential to grow and positively impact not only the university but also the wider Las Cruces community," Osuji said. "I am especially excited about the opportunity to create a platform where people can share powerful ideas, experiences, research and stories that may inspire others to think differently or take action. Being part of this first chapter of TEDxNMSU is something I am very proud of, and I look forward to seeing the legacy it creates." 

Even though the event is sold out, TEDxNMSU talks will be recorded for possible publication on TEDx digital platforms following the event. 

"There are incredible ideas and stories within NMSU and the broader Las Cruces community that deserve to be heard," Osuji said. "TEDxNMSU provides an opportunity to bring those ideas to the forefront and connect people who might otherwise never cross paths. We want students, faculty, researchers, professionals, community members and anyone with an idea worth sharing to see TEDxNMSU as something they can be part of. This is the beginning of what we hope will become a lasting tradition at NMSU."

To learn more about TEDxNMSU, visit www.nmsu.edu/tedx.    

The full article can be seen at https://newsroom.nmsu.edu/news/tedxnmsu-brings-ideas--voices-together-for-first-campus-event/s/28284ae8-34e0-41ff-b7b5-fb8513b19b0c