Sponsored by the Notre Dame Ethics Initiative and the Notre Dame Institute for Ethics and the Common Good
Honoring the legacy of legendary Notre Dame President Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C., Fr. TED Talks is a two-night festival, October 28-29, on Notre Dame’s campus featuring short keynote talks from every corner of the Notre Dame community as we gather to consider all of the ways the pillars of Catholic social tradition animate our lives together.
A “Fr. TED Talk” is a ten-minute address by members of the Notre Dame community (students, alumni, staff, and faculty) on one big idea from the Catholic social tradition that is worth exploring. Featuring stories, points of view, and personal flair – a great Fr. Ted talk inspires the audience to take a deeper look at the idea.
Each evening, several Notre Dame community members–students, alumni, staff, and faculty–will give TED-style talks. Speakers will be chosen through an application process, which is open to all members of the campus community. If selected, speakers will receive support in preparation from a distinguished mentor on campus. There will be food and door prizes for audience members, awards for speakers, as well as a few surprises during the festival.
Speakers
Monday, October 28



Nathaniel (Nano) Burke ’23
Nathaniel Burke recently completed a post-graduate language program in Brazil funded by the David L. Boren Scholarship at the National Security Education Program.






Cecilia Lucero ’84
Cecilia Lucero is an advising professor in the Center for University Advising.






Toni Akintola, ’26
Toni Akintola is a junior majoring in computer science.






Dr. Jim O’Connell ’70
Dr. Jim O’Connell is the President of Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program.


Tuesday, October 29



Monica Caponigro ’25
Monica Caponigro is a senior majoring in film, television, and theater.






Alex Sejdinaj ’15
Alex Sejdinaj is the founder of South Bend Code School, South Bend Code Works, and GiveGrove.






Meera Bhakta ’26
Meera Bhakta is a junior science pre-professional studies major






Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C. ’87
Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C., is the 18th President of the University of Notre Dame


Host



Iliana Contreras ’19
Iliana Contreras is the Young Alumni and Current Student Program director for the Notre Dame Alumni Association.


 
Originally published at forum2024.nd.edu.