Two St. Cloud State University professors are among the seven speakers chosen for TEDxStCloud 2022 on Oct. 13 at the Paramount Theatre in St. Cloud.
Dr. Ettien Koffi, professor of Linguistics, and Dr. Mark Petzold, professor of Engineering and Computer Science, will speak during the annual TEDxStCloud event at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 13. Drs. Koffi and Petzold are developing technology they hope will help document and revitalize some of the 2,923 languages out of 7,111 languages worldwide that are on the brink of extinction.
TEDxStCloud is part of the TEDx program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At TEDxStCloud events, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. St. Cloud State has been a partner in supporting the event each year with speakers and planning board members.
There are over 3,000 TEDx events each year, in over 170 countries. On average, on any day of the year, across the globe, there are about 100 TEDx events being presented. TED Talks surpassed three billion views online in 2016 and annually offers a unique format that provides “fuel” for global thinking.
Along with Drs. Koffi and Petzold, former St. Cloud State Director of Athletics Heather Weems is also one of the seven speakers who will take the Paramount Centre stage. Weems served as Director of Athletics at St. Cloud State for ten years before being named the first female commissioner of the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC).
The theme of TEDxStCloud 2022 is Rattle. Tickets are on sale now through the Paramount Box Office.
Speaker Details
Santo Cruz
Santo Cruz grew up in rural Stearns County before embarking on his legal career. He currently serves CentraCare as senior vice president and chief legal officer.
Kari-Shane Davis Zimmerman
Kari-Shane Davis Zimmerman (nicknamed KSDZ by her students) is an associate professor of theology at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University. East-coast by background and temperament, KSDZ never fails to ask probing questions and does not accept soul-less answers. She asks all her students to engage their moral compass and stand up for what is true and just.
Ettien Koffi and Mark Petzold
Ettien Koffi, professor of Linguistics, and Mark Petzold, professor of Engineering and Computer Science at St. Cloud State University, are developing technology they hope will help document and revitalize some of the 2,923 languages out of 7,111 languages worldwide that are on the brink of extinction.
Grace Leapaldt
Grace Leapaldt was born and raised in Saint Cloud and attended the Guang Ming Academy Chinese Immersion Program, grades 1-12. As a result, she is fluent in writing, reading, and speaking Chinese. Her dream is to work for the embassy in China.
Heather Weems
Heather Weems is the former Athletics Director for St. Cloud State University and served in that role for ten years before she was named the first female commissioner of the National Collegiate Hockey Conference.
