Testimonials

How I Found My Way to UO Forensics: Shelby Malstrom

I was born and raised in Oregon and participated in speech and debate all 4 years of high school. My requirement for a college was a strong forensics program and UO had that. I met the (legendary) Matt Gander at a tournament and knew UO was where I had to go. I attended the Bower Aly tournament at UO each year.

~ Shelby Malstrom 2012-Political Science and Women’s and Gender Studies

How Forensics Elevated the University of Oregon: Danielle Morris

The forensics program was instrumental in recruiting stellar students from high school programs including my 3rd year debate partner Rob Taylor-Manning. We have several national qualifiers and even semi-finalists (possibly finalists in various events). One season (with Mr. Taylor-Manning), we were the top team in the PNW (a 12-2 record) We received many trophies and awards. We were invited to conferences as undergraduates (I was back in 1983). We had fun and shared life growing up. Debate is a recruiting tool and a retention tool (in my case 100% responsible for my staying with the University).

~ Danielle Morris 1987, Rhetoric

Forensics and My Path to Leadership: Danielle Morris

I have used my skills inside professional organizations (CaCPA as a leader, president, governing board), AICPA (as part of their grass roots leadership), NGLCC as part of other TGX initiatives, National Treasurer (and board/executive committee) of A4TE (Advocates for Transgender Equality), along with receiving a City of San Jose community leadership award. I have founded professional and equity enterprises. I am constantly in demand for my opinions and values and these benefits are all directly connected with my time with Forensics.

~ Danielle Morris 1987, Rhetoric

Shaping My Career Beyond UO: Danielle Morris

Without reservation, forensics is a cornerstone of our common discourse. Forensics taught me how to frame discussions to achieve optimal outcomes. Forensics helped me (indirectly yet importantly) be accepted by post graduate programs at Harvard's Kennedy School, Dartmouth's Tuck, and a UK program via the London Law University that was held at Oxford. My ability to communicate across cultures, language, religions, and politics is all because I learned to apply the lessons of classical "Oregon" style debate. Note - I established a fund for Forensics, a first. This is how important forensics has been for me and my career.

~ Danielle Morris 1987, Rhetoric

Building My Academic and Intellectual Core: Danielle Morris

Forensics taught me so many skills that it will be difficult to describe. First it taught me to research, think, write, communicate, speak fluently, and most importantly to recognize the value of the source of any information used in communications and persuasive activities. Applying these skills, along with my liberal arts (RHCM) education, my career has been highly influenced by the skills learned via competitive forensics. I learned how to debate all sides of complex issues. I learned how to project and persuade. I learned skills and gained friendships. I met my first wife on the team (she was a 2x national semi-finalist in individual and duo interpretation). I applied my skills first in technical skills associated with being a CPA. Customers understood I had communication and thinking skills far beyond the stereotypes. I expanded into writing (courses, seminars and in 2025 my first book). I have presented at over 500 seminars and speaking events on wide ranging topics from ethics to international tax structures. I have been interviewed by every major traditional media (print, radio, and television). _ I have helped guide some of the most innovative entrepreneurs. All, IMHO, because of the combination of a quality education and most importantly, the skills learned by competitive debate.

~ Danielle Morris 1987, Rhetoric

How I Found My Way to UO Forensics: Danielle Morris

While forensics was not the reason I arrived/chose U of O, it is the sole reason I remained at the University. Prior to my spring term of my freshman year, I had already accepted a transfer to OSU. However a RHCM graduate fellow/GTF saw something special in me, and asked me to consider forensics (debate) and introduced me to Paul Gasket (then the Director). He offered me a position and I continued at Oregon and forever have been changed because forensics was open to accepting me.

~ Danielle Morris 1987, Rhetoric

Forensics and My Path to Leadership: Brooke Kuhn

The UO Forensics program helped me find a community that had been unmatched throughout my time on campus. As a group, we worked together and helped each other beyond the needs of Debate and Mock Trial. I have continued to help at team meets post-graduation and judge for the team as an independent contractor with the university because I value the department so highly. Outside of UO, I've been able to help at other events in the Eugene area due to my experience, always trying to grow the program through that exposure.

~ Brooke Kuhn UO '24 BS Economics

Shaping My Career Beyond UO: Brooke Kuhn

I graduated from UO just over a year ago, and I was immediately able to find work at a Eugene local credit union thanks to the speaking and advocacy skills I garnered in the program. I've had quick movement over that year, being appointed to leadership teams, branding teams, and have been promoted to the credit union's lead Mortgage Processor. I've been told by my peers and supervisors that my ability to curate talking points and make on the cuff arguments has made me a very valuable person in my workplace.

~ Brooke Kuhn UO '24 BS Economics

Building My Academic and Intellectual Core: Brooke Kuhn

When I joined the UO Debate team I was not confident in my abilities as a speaker or researcher. I had tried debate formats in high school and found them wildly inaccessible to newcomers in a way that this department puts to shame. After only a few practices with Trond and all the coaching staff, as well as peer support, I found myself crafting arguments and excitedly planning for argumentative speeches I hoped to make at upcoming tournaments. The team meeting became the highlight of my week, and the tournaments the highlights of the year. Even though I had greater time commitments, I was able to be what I considered successful as a debater and a student, while having time for hobbies and part time work. When I think about the summit of my time at the U of O, I can picture how it felt when at the end of my senior year, I had been awarded the 5th place overall speaker at the year-end Tournament and Conference of Scholars.

~ Brooke Kuhn UO '24 BS Economics

How Forensics Elevated the University of Oregon: Tisha Oehmen

I was honored to represent the University of Oregon for three consecutive years at the National Individual Events Tournament, bringing national recognition to the program and the university. In addition, I contributed to campus and community life by helping run the annual High School Tournament while I was a team member, and later returning in a volunteer capacity to support its continued success. These experiences not only highlighted the strength of the UO Forensics program but also extended its impact by engaging and inspiring future generations of students.

~ Tisha Oehmen UO '94 BA Political Science, UO '07 OEMBA

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