Theme: Ideas Worth Spreading

TEDxUWRiverFalls 2016 celebrates the pursuit of knowledge and making the most of opportunities to become more engaged citizens. Speakers will consist of UW-River Falls undergraduate students who have engaged in undergraduate research and scholarly activity. These students will describe how these experiences made them more aware of the world around them. Joining the students, UW-River Falls alumni Cathy Wurzer and Mark Lacek will deliver talks about making the most of the time we are all given.

410 S Third Street
River Falls, Wisconsin, 54022
United States

Ann Lawton

Artist, Art Therapist, Art Educator

Ann E. Lawton believes that art has the potential to heal, transform and empower individuals and communities. As a Registered Art Therapist, she has worked with inmates, domestic abuse survivors, young adults with depression and anxiety, addicts and individuals with cognitive impairments. Lawton received her Bachelors of Science in Broad Area Art with a minor in psychology from the University of Wisconsin—River Falls and her Masters in Science in Art Therapy from Mount Mary University in Milwaukee. She teaches full-time in the art department at UWRF and conducts adult and child art enrichment classes at Fox Den Books in River Falls.

Cathy Wurzer

Journalist

Currently the host of "Morning Edition" on Minnesota Public Radio, Cathy Wurzer also co-hosts "Almanac," a weekly public affairs program. The winner of several Emmy Awards and an Edward R. Murrow Award, Cathy's reputation is that of an astute interviewer and gifted storyteller. Cathy is a proud graduate of the UW-River Falls’ Journalism Department and has served on the UWRF Foundation Board.

Joshua Gustafson

Student

Josh is a senior at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls majoring in Stage and Screen Arts. His career goal includes serving as a professional voice actor for characters in animated films and video games. In his free time, josh enjoys video games, acting, electronic music composition, sound editing, and an occasional game of “Ninja.”

Mark Lacek

Entrepreneur

A serial entrepreneur, Mr. Lacek has deep roots in the transportation, technology and marketing industries. He is a pioneer in the loyalty-marketing field with two-plus decades of marketing experience. Along with his wife, Susan, Mark also co-founded Faith’s Lodge which is a not-for-profit focused on helping families who have lost a child or have a child with a life threatening illness. Partnering with The Ronald McDonald House, Faith’s Lodge has served almost 2500 families since opening in 2007. The Lodge, built on 80 acres in Danbury, WI, was created in memory of Mark and Susan’s daughter, Faith, who died at birth in 2000. Mark served as Chairman for eight years and is now Chairman Emeritus.

Michael Mader

Student / CEO

Michael is a 5th year senior and a transfer student at UWRF and will graduate with a bachelors degree in marketing this June. Michael is currently developing a social enterprise named Hippy Feet, which will offer socks constructed of organic fibers to consumers. For every sock purchased, another will be donated to the homeless or those in need.

Rebbekah Hite

Student

Rebbekah is a senior at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls (UWRF) and will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology in May. Rebbekah has won over seven individual research grants from the Undergraduate Research, Scholarly and Creative Activity office, including Undergraduate Stipend and Expense Grant and the Falcon Travel Grant. She has presented her research both locally on and off campus and nationally and the National Conference of Undergraduate Research. Rebbekah is active both as a participant and as a mentor for several undergraduate research projects at the UWRF campus.