Theme: Never Stop Learning

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

LSSU
650 W EASTERDAY AVE
Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, 49783
United States

Ben Deuling

Student at Lake Superior State University majoring in Biology with a minor in chemistry and human nutrition

Ben Deuling is a senior from Lake Superior State University in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Currently, he is majoring in Biology, with Minors in Chemistry and Human Nutrition. Since he was a Freshman in 2012, Ben has been a member and eventually Assistant Coach of the LSSU Cross Country, and Track & Field teams. Upon graduation from LSSU, he plans to further his education by pursuing a graduate degree in the molecular sciences, and he seeks to one day become a university professor and collegiate distance running coach.

Ben Herrick

Student at Lake Superior State University with a major in law enforcement and homeland security

Ben Herrick is a junior at Lake Superior State University studying law enforcement and homeland security in the School of Criminal Justice. Originally from Gurnee, Illinois, Ben is also and Eagle Scout and is in the Honors Program at LSSU.

Cassie Merritt

Student at Lake Superior State University with a major in criminal justice and psychology

Cassie Merritt is a junior at Lake Superior State University studying criminal justice and psychology.

Lyndsey Johnson

Junior in High School and dual enrolled at Lake Superior State University

Lyndsey Johnson is a Junior at Sault Area High School, and is taking her first class at LSSU this semester. She is a math nerd, history buff, swimming enthusiast, and Mitch Grassi’s number one fan!

Marcus Collins

SVP of Social Engagement at Doner Advertising, a full-serve advertising agency. Faculty at the Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, as a lecturer of marketing.

Marcus Collins is a culturally curious thinker with an academic insight into the cognitive drivers that impact consumer behavior. He serves as the SVP of Social Engagement at Doner Advertising, a full-serve advertising agency, and is a recipient of Advertising Age's 40 Under 40 (2016) and Crain's Business Detroit's 40 Under 40 (2016). Previously, he led the Social Engagement practice across the New York advertising agency, Translation, leveraging the psychological motivators that drive what we do, say, and share in an effort to create contagious marketing programs that extend across both the online and offline world of “social.” His strategies and creative contributions have led to the success of Budweiser’s “Made In America” music festival, the launch of Bud Light Platinum, the launch of the Brooklyn Nets (Hello Brooklyn!), and State Farm’s “Cliff Paul” campaign – to name a few.

Tom Pleger

President, Lake Superior State University

Dr. Tom Pleger started as LSSU's eighth president on July 1, 2014, after having served as campus executive officer and dean at the UW-Baraboo/Sauk County. He earned a bachelor's degree in political science, with honors, from UW-La Crosse and is an alumnus of the Wisconsin in Scotland program. He earned his M.A. in Anthropology and his Ph.D. in Anthropology/Archaeology, both from UW-Madison.