Undergraduate
University of Pittsburgh Department of Communication
2008 11th Annual Oratory Competition
*** Winners Press Release ***
(Released April 7, 2008) – On Saturday, April 5th, the Cathedral of Learning’s 3rd Floor reverberated to the sound of 26 student orators competing in the 11th Annual Pitt Oratory Competition, sponsored by Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Studies, the Department of Communication, and the Communication Club. From 9:30 am to 1:30 pm, speakers engaged in two rounds of competitive oratory in three categories. Although all competitors performed exceptionally well, ten champions emerged:
Graduation Commencement Category:
1st Place Amy Fisk, Senior
2nd Place Andrew Marshall, Senior
3rd Place Nina Trbovich, Senior
Informative Category:
1st Place Theresa Forrest, Junior
2nd Place Steve Roach, Freshman
3rd Place Mary Ellen Lisman, Senior
Persuasive Category:
1st Place Jason Damon, Junior
2nd Place Matt Schultz, Sophomore
3rd Place Samantha Allen, Sophomore
3rd Place Katie Walzer, Freshman
In the persuasive category, the 3rd place winners both performed so ably that the judges felt the only fair decision was to declare them both winners. Judges for the Oratory Competition included seven Department of Communication Faculty members and four Graduate Teaching Fellows, all experienced Public Speaking instructors.
We were especially pleased that the winners included six underclassmen, which promises an exciting contest for next spring’s 12th Annual Pitt Oratory Competition. Congratulations to the champions and to all 26 competitors from the entire University of Pittsburgh community.
