Golden grizzlies, mark your calendar for Oct. 23.  The TEDx Oakland University conference is returning and is now open to the general public. 

Amy Rutledge and Laura Dinsmoor are the co-chairs for the committee for TEDx Oakland University, coordinating the entire conference with the help of volunteers from all departments and the TEDx student organization. 

As the conference date fast approaches, an eight person committee selected the 21 speakers set to present out of nearly 60 applicants.  Students and staff can expect to see some familiar faces with Oakland alumni, student groups, and professors presenting.  

In order to present at the conference, Rutledge stated that applicants “had to provide a video sample, so that we could see if they would be a dynamic speaker.”Speakers are expected to encourage attendees by bringing new ideas to light.  A signifier of a good speech in Rutledge’s eyes is if the speech would make her “want to go tell someone about this.”

Attendees will arrive at the O’Rena around 8 a.m. and experience all of the interactive labs that the conference offers, including virtual reality goggles and a 3D printer.  Labs will be open throughout the morning and through lunchtime.  After lunch, which is provided, people will be moved to the other half of the O’Rena for the speakers. 

“We wanted to make sure it was a well-rounded program, so in planning the day we made sure to cover T,E, and D – technology, entertainment and design,”said Rutledge. 

Keeping this in mind, the speaker selection committee ensured a balance of technologically driven speeches interspersed with performances by groups like OU’s music, theatre, and dance Take Root dance group, and comedian, Pj Jacokes. 

Several Oakland alumni will be presenting at the conference as well, including Anne Ruthmann, an architecture and interior design photographer, and Gregg Garrett, CEO and president of CGS Advisors.

Students are offered discounted tickets for the conference at the Center for Student Activities Service Window.  For $15, they will be provided a lunch, wristband and access to all of the labs and speakers at the conference. For more information follow TEDx Oakland University on Facebook and Instagram, and visit their website at tedxoaklanduniversity.com.

Speakers currently at OU

DocApella: The William Beaumont School of Medicine’s a cappella choir, featuring medical students with a passion for music and performance. 

Dr. Kim B Serota: A Special Instructor in the School of Business Administration, presenting a speech titled “Why People Lie”. 

Dr. Lisa L.M. Welling: Assistant Professor presenting on the influence of testosterone on romantic partner preferences. 

Robert Folberg: Founding Dean of the Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, who has “recruited a diverse and talented team to design and implement an innovative paradigm for medical education,”according to tedxoaklanduniversity.com. 

For more speaker profiles, please visit tedxoaklanduniversity.com.