Whitworth University Forensics

Speech and Debate at Whitworth University

Whitworth Forensics is an interdisciplinary program that provides a rigorous intellectual experience for students interested in the exchange of ideas and in sharpening their public speaking skills. Forensics is open to all students regardless of academic major or previous public-speaking experience.

The Whitworth forensics team competes in intercollegiate tournaments in the Northwest Forensics Conference and in speech and debate tournaments nationwide. Team members test their skills against some of the finest speakers in the U.S. and consistently earn regional and national recognition.

The forensics program covers the costs of tournament entry fees, supplies, travel, meals and lodging, while students contribute the time, effort, enthusiasm and commitment to excellence necessary to prepare for and compete in tournaments. Students also take a one-credit course, Applied Speech: Forensics.

Spring 2012 Whitworth Forensics Highlights:

• National Debate Champs! Travis Walker, '12, and Jacob Wilson, '15, were declared national co-champions after each won semifinal rounds at the International Public Debate Association national tournament, in Texas. Whitworth's forensics team members competed against 94 student debaters from 28 schools across the country and won a total of six awards at the national competition.
  
  
• National Ethics Bowl Champs! Whitworth took home the championship trophy at the National Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl, in Ohio. The team's win marks the third time in four years that Whitworth has placed in the top five in the national competition. Whitworth is the first private school and the first liberal arts university to win the national Ethics Bowl championship.
  
  
• Whitworth's forensics team placed fifth out of 26 schools competing in the National Christian College Forensics National Tournament, in Tennessee. Travis Walker, '12, won five trophies and took sixth place out of 100-plus students.
  
  

American Forensics Association