Nebraska Wesleyan University’s Visions & Ventures Symposium is going unplugged.
The annual event brings together the university and Lincoln community to discuss a topic of universal significance with leading national experts.
Scheduled for September 13-14, this year’s symposium, “Press Shift: Our Changing Place In A High-Tech World,” will address the advancements, setbacks and impacts of today’s technology.
Speakers include Steve Brugman, partner/investor for Snaproll Media; Jessica Jackley, founder of KIVA; and Talithia Williams, associate professor of mathematics at Harvey Mudd College.
In addition, students will participate in a 20-hour data blackout called “Disconnect to Connect,” which prohibits them from using the internet and cell phones. Students will have the opportunity to participate in campus-wide discussions and activities where they will share their data blackout experiences.
Students will also participate in interactive activities on social entrepreneurship and technology innovations, 3D printing, and drone demonstrations.
The lectures are free and open to the public and will be held in O’Donnell Auditorium, located at 50th Street and Huntington Ave. The lecture schedule includes:
Tuesday, September 13, 7 p.m.
Steve Brugman, partner/investor, Snaproll Media, a pioneer in the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) industry. Snaproll Media was selected by the Motion Picture Association of America to work with the FAA in the development of governing UAV operations in the United States. His company has worked on several major motion pictures including “Fast and Furious Six,” “Divergent: Insurgent,” and “Point Break 2.”
Wednesday, September 14, 10 a.m.
Jessica Jackley, founder, former chief marketing officer of KIVA, the world’s first peer to peer microlending website. KIVA lets users lend as little at $25 to poor entrepreneurs around the world, providing affordable capital for them to start or expand microenterprises. KIVA is one of the fastest growing social benefit websites in history. Jackley is the author of “Clay Water Brick: Finding Inspiration From Entrepreneurs Who Do The Most With The Least.” A book signing will follow her lecture.
Wednesday, September 14, 7 p.m.
Talithia Williams, associate professor of mathematics, Harvey Mudd College. Williams will discuss personal data mining—what to do with the massive amounts of information collected on our heart rate, sleep patterns, body temperatures and more—and how our personal data can reveal more than your doctors may know.