Moncton, NB – Crandall University was thrilled to host its inaugural TEDx event on April 5th, 2025. The event, organized by the Graduate Students’ Society (GSS), brought together the university community for a day of inspiring talks, bold ideas, and meaningful discussions. TEDx, a global platform for sharing innovative ideas, offered Crandall University the unique opportunity to showcase thought-provoking perspectives and foster powerful conversations.
Themed around “Ideas Worth Sharing,” TEDx Crandall University featured a diverse lineup of speakers and performers who captivated the audience with fresh perspectives and ideas. The organizing team worked tirelessly to create an event that would spark important conversations and build connections within the community.
Among the speakers were notable Crandall University community members: Evan Carr, Abi Ibrahim, Sebastien Emmerson, Matilda Ogunleye, Sophie Chase, David Iremadze, David Assam, and Benjamin Wilson.
Additionally, the event included stunning poetry and spoken word performances by Abeni Knowles, a student from Crandall University, and Canada’s Top 10 Under 18 Change Maker, Chinazam Igwe, both of whom left a lasting impression on the audience with their moving performances.
Funmi Ajare, Graduate Student Society President, Undergraduate Program Administrator at Crandall, and Curator for TEDx Crandall University, shared her thoughts on the event’s significance:
“Beyond bringing a world-renowned platform for sharing bold ideas that inspire action to our university, TEDxCrandall University was a testament to the power of collaboration and diversity. We had undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty, and staff working together as volunteers to bring the project to life. It was a great learning experience for everyone involved, as the volunteers gained invaluable skills in event planning and coordination, public speaking, communication, marketing, social media strategy, teamwork, and leadership.“
Ajare also explained the inspiration behind organizing TEDxCrandall University: “The inspiration to organize TEDxCrandall University came from within the university itself. Since coming here, I have interacted with a diverse group of people with interesting perspectives on different issues, and I thought these ideas, if shared with a larger audience, could spark meaningful conversations that would improve people’s lives and contribute to the growth and progress of society. I really wanted to bring more visibility to Crandall University and its people.”
She further emphasized the broader impact of TEDx: “TEDxCrandall University, for me, was not just about speeches. It was about inspiring individuals to see new possibilities, take positive action toward bringing their aspirations to life, and strengthening their community by making it better than they met it.”
The event was a tremendous success, providing an experience that will resonate with participants for years to come.
