Theme: TEDxSTU: Bobcats' Ideas Change Everything!

St. Thomas University STUdents and STUwards are invited to join for our first-ever TEDx event on campus! Hear fellow STUdents, faculty members and superstars from our alumni and local community share ideas worth spreading. You won't want to miss!

Gus Machado College of Business
16401 NW 37th Avenue
Auditorium
Miami Gardens, Florida, 33054
United States

Christtian Travieso

I have been in education for 17 years. I have always been passionate about philosophy, critical thinking, and the meaning of life. I teach classes in Philosophy, Ethics, and Humanities. My Ph.D. is in Humanities from Salve Regina University, and I currently serve as the Director of the STU Honors College.

David Armstrong

President, St. Thomas University

David A. Armstrong, J.D., is currently in his seventh year as President of St. Thomas University, and continues driving to make STU the leading Catholic University in the South. President Armstrong’s considerable experience in higher education includes enrollment, fundraising, student life, and athletics. He is a nationally recognized speaker on future trends of higher education law, Title IX, and campus safety. His commitment to the transformative power of education has led to six continuous years of record enrollment, and multiple new corporate partnerships. For 2025 and beyond, President Armstrong has charged St. Thomas University's faculty, staff, and students to pursue excellence in every aspect of the higher education journey.

Dr. Ashlee Rzyczycki

Professor and Program Director Fashion Merchandising and Design

Dr. Ashlee Rzyczycki is a pioneering educator and fashion industry expert dedicated to transforming fashion education through sustainability, ethics, and innovation. With over a decade in the fashion sector and academic roles at institutions like Mercyhurst University, The Ohio State University, University of Kentucky, and Kentucky Wesleyan College, she brings a wealth of experience to her current position at St. Thomas University. As the founding Program Director, she launched Florida's only SACSCOC-accredited Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design. Dr. Rzyczycki's research delves into sustainable fashion, cultural narratives, and the intersection of faith and fashion. She is a sought-after speaker, having delivered talks at conferences and events, where she challenged prevailing narratives in the fashion industry .

Dr. Pedro "Joe" Greer, Jr., MD

Founding Dean

Dr. Greer spearheaded Green Family Foundation Neighborhood Health Education Learning Program (NeighborhoodHELP) which prepares medical students and other health professions students to address the social determinants of health through a hands-on longitudinal experience caring for underserved households in Miami-Dade County. He established Camillus Health Concern, Inc. and Saint John Bosco, health centers for underserved populations in Miami-Dade County, Florida. A 500 Most Influential Business Leaders in Life Sciences listed on the Florida Trend 2019; June 2019 AMA Foundation Pride in Profession Award; Bob Graham Center for Public Service 2017 Citizen of the Year; 2014 National Jefferson Award in the category of Greatest Public Service Benefiting the Disadvantaged; 2013 Great Floridian Award; the 2009 Presidential Medal of Freedom; and in 1993, was honored as a MacArthur Foundation “Genius Grant” Fellow.

Sami Rahman

Sami Rahman is a recent graduate of St. Thomas University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science. The Port St. Lucie native was also a part of the men’s basketball program during his time at STU.

Tobi Rubinstein

Founder and CEO of The House of Faith and Fashion

Tobi Rubinstein is a rare force in the fashion industry—an enduring voice of purpose in a world driven by trends and image. She has built a groundbreaking career at the intersection of couture and conviction, redefining what it means to lead with both style and substance. A fashion industry veteran, Tobi began with brands like Victoria’s Secret and later co-founded “Chedda,” the first women-owned urban brand developed for K-Mart. As the founder of The House of Faith & Fashion, a religious leader, author, and media personality, she has become known for integrating spirituality into the fashion world. Her bestselling book series, What My Wardrobe Taught Me About G-d and Haute & Holy, form the foundation of a brand that spans media, live events, and runway shows from New York to Paris—bridging faith, creativity, and cultural dialogue .