About the WPDU
The William Pitt Debating Union (WPDU) is a co-curricular program that serves as a hub for a wide range of debating activities, including intercollegiate policy debate, public debate, and debate outreach. One of the oldest organizations of its kind in the nation, the union grew originally out of the University of Pittsburgh's Division of Public Speaking in 1912.
Read more about the WPDU.
Brains of Steel
Pittsburgh debaters have achieved a remarkable track record of academic success, winning prestigious awards such as Rhodes, Marshall, and Javitz scholarships, as well as Fulbright and Brackenridge fellowships. The team’s commitment to academic achievement is reflected in a strict travel policy that requires debaters to juggle team research commitments while excelling in coursework.
Join the Team
Contact the WPDU's
Program Administrator to arrange a time when you can speak to one of our coaches and drop by for a visit. We'd be delighted to see you!
News & Events
The WPDU tandem of Jeff Kurr and Chris Solis reeled off two consecutive strong tournament appearances, qualifying for elimination round competition at the University of Richmond on October 10-12 and West Point on October 16-18.
Mere hours after the tear gas had cleared from the streets of Oakland following protests of the G-20 meeting in Pittsburgh, the William Pitt Debating Union hosted a public debate, September 30, 2009, on the motion, "This house would crack down on protestors."
WPDU novice debaters Paras Minhas and Jayson Myers made their college debate debuts at the Clarion University Autumn Leaf tournament in Clarion, Pennsylvania, September 25-27, 2009.
Debate Teaching Assistant Joseph Packer is playing a key role in launching an exciting national initiative designed to start up intercollegiate policy debate programs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
