ABERDEEN, S.D. – This year’s Create ‘N’: A Festival Celebrating Entrepreneurship, Creativity, Innovation and Workforce will bring the founder of UGG Boots to the Northern State University campus.
The 2019 Create ‘N’ Festival will take place 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25, in the NSU Johnson Fine Arts Center. The annual event invites a keynote speaker and local entrepreneurs to share their experiences with area high school and college students.
This year’s keynote speaker is Mr. Brian Smith, founder of UGG Boots, who will speak at 9 a.m., presenting “Perseverance: My Secrets to Success.” The Australian-born Smith was raised with a passion for surfing and the surf culture, according to his website. After ten years as a public accountant, Smith left the industry to pursue a business idea closer to that passion. Undaunted by initial rejections from surf shop owners in the U.S., Smith forged forward with his dream, and the UGG brand, a much-loved favorite in casual footwear, became a reality.
Other speakers at this year’s Create ‘N’ Festival are:
- 10 a.m.: Mr. Kory Anderson, President of Anderson Industries of Webster
- 11 a.m.: Ms. Brianna Kusler, Kusler Klinics; and Ms. Gabriella Laimer, BellaFigura Media
- Noon: Mr. Lance Larsen, Agtegra Innovation Center
- 1:30 p.m.: Student tour of the Jewett Regional Science Education Center
For more information, contact the NSU School of Business at 605-626-2400.
About Northern State University
Northern State University is a regional university that offers outstanding academics and exceptional extracurricular activities at an affordable price on a safe, welcoming campus. Northern State recently announced its Educational Impact Campaign, with a goal of raising $55 million for a new South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, new athletic and recreation fields, and an on-campus regional sports complex. Once the campaign is complete, NSU will be the recipient of more than $100 million in privately funded building projects and scholarships within a decade. To learn more, visit NSU Admissions.