Pittsburg State students and community members are being given the opportunity to hear from two well-known public figures this spring as a part of the ongoing “Scott Speaker Series,” where events are focused on science, entrepreneurship, and education. Science educator Bill Nye seeks to inform students on space and our own environment; Businessman Daymond John plans to give advice to students who hope to succeed as he has.
Bill Nye, a scientist and television character, will come to the Bicknell Family Center for the Arts on April 9 at 7 p.m. Nye is a widely recognized host of the television series “Bill Nye the Science Guy,” which helped to introduce concepts of science to generations of students through simple explanations and humor. The show remains a point of reference for many college students who watched it during their early years.
Nye currently serves as the CEO of the Planetary Society, one of the world’s largest non-governmental space organizations. He also hosts the podcast “Science Rules! With Bill Nye,” and “The End is Nye” on Peacock. Nye’s presentation in the spring will address a range of topics including climate change, science education, planetary science, and environmental problems.
Students have shared some of their reactions to Nye’s upcoming appearance. Tyne Ellis, a freshman majoring in business finance, expressed that Nye visiting could influence students who are interested in science fields.
“I think it’s really good because it can help students who look up to him,” Ellis said. “Maybe he can push them to pursue their dreams in science. I mean come on now, it’s Bill Nye; who wouldn’t want to go see him? Almost all of us grew up watching him.”
Nic Stewart, a sophomore majoring in wood manufacturing, voiced that Nye will be an interesting person to host on campus.
“I think that would be pretty cool; I mean he’s a cool one to have on campus.”
Another student had more reserved opinions. Ariel Suppenbach, a freshman majoring in forensic psychology, said she was unsure how she felt about the event because it could shift students’ views on Nye.
“I don’t know, it’s going to be fun of course, but I feel like we would be suspicious of him if we learned more about his opinions on issues.”
Following Nye’s presentation, Daymond John, an entrepreneur and Shark Tank investor, will speak on May 8 at 7 p.m., at the Bicknell Family Center for the Arts as well.
John is a self-created bestselling author, businessman, and investor on ABC’s business reality television show “Shark Tank.” He is often referred to as “The People’s Shark,” since he started his own apparel company named FUBU with $40 and a “rise and grind mentality.” Yet he also connects with everyday businesses and focuses on their marketing and branding to help them succeed.
John is well known for his work in guerilla marketing as well as blending fashion, music, and culture into his approaches. He has gained more recognition for his use of social media over the years, using pop culture trends to stay relevant. During his Pitt State presentation, Johns plans to share his strategies that relate to sales growth, negotiation, leadership, and team development, while advising students, business leaders and entrepreneurs.
Ellis voices that John’s experience could be very beneficial for students who are pursuing business degrees.
“I think it can inspire people who want to go into business,” Ellis said. “And especially with how much he’s seen, he can give good advice to them.”
Suppenbach said that even though she was not familiar with John before learning about the event, she still sees the potential value in him coming to Pitt.
“It could be a good space for people who want to be entrepreneurs too,” she said. “Not just listening to advice but also meeting others with the same mindset.”
Even though Stewart’s opinion on John was limited, he still thought it could be an advantageous event for anyone.
“It can be a good one for people who are aspiring to be like him.” Stewart said. “But anyone that goes could still learn something from it.”
Both speakers are a part of the “Scott Speaker Series,” which brings a variety of speakers to campus throughout the school year. These events help to offer students the chance to hear perspectives from familiar figures whose careers span into very different fields, while addressing important topics relevant to student interests like career development, future opportunities, and education.