TEDx North Park University Nurtures Talents of its Students

CHICAGO, May 3, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- North Park University today held its first TEDx event, with the theme Shifting Paradigms. Three town-hall like meetings involved students in bringing TEDx to campus. Inspired by a lecture in a Principles of Management & Leadership course, North Park student Paul Clines, a senior business and economics major, presented the idea to his professor of hosting TEDx North Park University. "I'll show you the steps in getting the TEDx license and you gather the students together," encouraged Professor Hubbard in mentoring Clines.

Seventy student volunteers formed the solid group—ready-to-learn and open to shaping an effective leadership structure. Likened to a start-up company, the leadership structure consisted of complete transparency, cross collaboration, and a de-constructed organizational design omitting conventional vertical lines of direct reports. Six core team members of faculty, staff and students circulated among the volunteers, supporting all members to be part of the decision-making process.  

"Every student is talented in some way," asserts Professor Hubbard. Guided by this belief, a true cross-collaboration effort evolved into a platform for undergraduate, graduate, faculty, staff, and the community to experience empowerment through idea sharing. "There are so many hidden talents at North Park that may not have been known without participating in bringing TEDx to campus," adds Professor Hubbard.

Passionate about bringing people and ideas together, Clines says TEDx is about making a positive impact. "TEDx provides a partial escapism while forming friendships, bonds, and connections," expresses Clines.

TEDx North Park University featured voices and ideas from students, faculty, business professionals, and the community. Speakers included:

• Soong-Chan Rah, seminary professor
• Hardik Soni, fitness guru
• Dominique Jordan Turner, nonprofit CEO
• Robby Celestin, singer-songwriter
• Nestor Gomez, storyteller
• Seanna Wong, storyteller
• Michelle Clifton-Soderstrom, seminary professor

Bringing the first TEDx event to North Park marks an exciting time in the University's 125-year history, complemented by earning consistent rankings as one of the "Best Colleges" in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report and named—for the third time—a Top Producer of U.S. Fulbright Students by the U.S. Department of State.

ABOUT NORTH PARK UNIVERSITY 

North Park University is Chicago's city-centered Christian University.

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