TEDxMarshallU Student Pitch Event (Fall 2025)

We live in a world where independence takes many forms—personal, creative, social, and even revolutionary. But what does it truly mean to be independent? This year’s theme, Inspired Independence, explores the power of thinking freely, acting boldly, and rising above the status quo with a vision for something greater.

Rooted in strength, leadership, ingenuity, and bravery, Inspired Independence celebrates the many paths people take to claim their freedom—whether through triumph, struggle, or a single transformative moment. From financial freedom to personal growth, from the lessons of failure and loss to the quiet courage of persistence, independence is a journey worth sharing.

Join us at the 2025 Student Pitch Event as students present their ideas for talks to potentially be featured in the 2026 TEDxMarshallU main event. These pitches will challenge our understanding of independence and help us imagine how new stories and perspectives can inspire us to pursue our own paths with courage and creativity.

Since 2019, TEDxMarshallU has brought “ideas worth spreading” to Marshall University, sparking meaningful conversations across our community. Organized by student interns in the Honors College, this year’s event continues that tradition—igniting dialogue, empowering voices, and inspiring independence.