Southeast to hold TEDx event on 'diverse passions'

Southeast Missouri State University will hold a TEDx event designed to spark discussion on "diverse passions" March 3 at the Aleen Vogel Wehking Alumni Center.

TED is a not-for-profit organization devoted to spreading ideas, usually in the form of short, powerful talks of up to 18 minutes.

TED began in 1984 as a conference that focused on technology, entertainment and design. Today, it covers a wealth of topics from science to business. In addition, independently run TEDx events help share ideas in communities around the world.

At the event, two TED Talk videos will be showcased, and four Southeast professors will speak.

Allen Gathman, professor of biology and associate dean of online learning, will discuss human genetic diversity versus the social constructs of race.

Kenneth Heischmidt, marketing and management professor and director of the MBA program, will discuss how each graduate is one in a million literally and figuratively. Debra Lee-Distefano, professor in the department of global cultures and languages, will talk about issues about "who is from or belongs where." Tamara Zellars Buck, associate professor of mass media, will explore how minorities are portrayed in the media

The event is limited to 100 attendees. Fifty tickets will be available to community members and 50 to students. Community tickets will go on sale Wednesday. Tickets will be sold exclusively online at semo.edu/TEDx. Tickets are $25.

Student tickets are offered for free, thanks to sponsorship from the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce and Codefi. The lottery for student tickets will commence Wednesday and run through Feb. 10. Students can register online at semo.edu/TEDx.

Pertinent address:

Wehking Alumni Center, 926 Broadway, Cape Girardeau, Mo.