Testimonials
Forensics and My Path to Leadership: Tisha Oehmen
Forensics taught me how to lead—how to stand up, speak with confidence, and share ideas that matter. The skills I developed in public speaking have carried into every aspect of my life and leadership, from facilitating conversations at local business meetings to guiding companies through the process of identifying their core essence and brand. Most importantly, I’ve been able to help business owners clearly and confidently establish their identities in the marketplace. None of this would have been possible without the foundation I gained through forensics.
~ Tisha Oehmen UO '94 BA Political Science, UO '07 OEMBA
Shaping My Career Beyond UO: Tisha Oehmen
Perhaps the most essential part of my college education was my participation in Forensics. The program taught me to critically analyze current issues and place them within broader frameworks, deepening my understanding of the world. Through countless hours of research, forming conclusions, and articulating the foundations of my reasoning—while also engaging with and challenging the perspectives of others—I gained invaluable experience in the marketplace of ideas. I rely on these skills of inquiry, dialogue, and critical reflection daily, both in my professional work and as an engaged human being in today’s sociopolitical climate.
~ Tisha Oehmen UO '94 BA Political Science, UO '07 OEMBA
Building My Academic and Intellectual Core: Tisha Oehmen
Learning how to research, take a topic, and examine it through multiple rhetorical frameworks taught me to see issues from different perspectives. Forensics gave me the ability to dissect and understand complex topics dispassionately, setting aside sophistry and emotion, leading to well-rounded and well-informed opinions. These skills are invaluable in today’s climate, where sophistry, headlines, and soundbites often dominate the conversation. The ability—and necessity—to pursue genuine understanding is more critical than ever, and forensics gave me the tools to do exactly that.
~ Tisha Oehmen UO '94 BA Political Science, UO '07 OEMBA
How I Found My Way to UO Forensics: Tisha Oehmen
The UO Forensics team played a pivotal role in my decision to transfer to the University of Oregon. Its rich heritage, longstanding history, and reputation for excellence made it, without question, the most compelling factor in my choice to attend.
~ Tisha Oehmen UO '94 BA Political Science, UO '07 OEMBA
What Forensics Has Meant to Me: Jessica Nevin
Forensics is crucial to the growth and success of so many programs and persons np matter what direction they may be heading. It’s an inclusive environment for true productivity and inspiration.
- Jessica Nevin 2026 GSS
What Forensics Has Meant to Me: Kathleen Bauer
I chose the University of Oregon specifically for its debate team and the opportunity to join a renowned program with thought leaders shaping the future of the activity. Debate was my most formative classroom. It taught me to build arguments from evidence, listen deeply, and communicate clearly under real pressure—skills that now define my work. As a management consultant, specializing in change management for mental health and substance use disorder clinics, debate trained me to frame complex problems, ask insightful questions without alienating stakeholders, and deliver recommendations that are both compelling and accountable to facts that create real impact in people's lives and health. Arguing both sides built empathy and my coalition-building muscle. From this, I learned to anticipate objections, craft messaging for different audiences, and help organizations move through uncertainty and change. Debate gave me psychological safety practices before I had that language. It taught me active listening, separating people from problems, de-escalation, and resilience after tough rounds. The U of O debate team wasn’t just an activity; it was mentorship, leadership training, and a community that opened doors and helped build my confidence. Eliminating this program would remove a proven on-ramp for students to translate debate into real-world impact. I’m grateful for what UO Forensics (and especially what my coaches, David Frank, Rick Peacor, and Trond Jacobsen) made possible for me and it would break my heart to see its dissolution.
- Kathleen Bauer 1998 Political Science major, Women's Studies minor
What Forensics Has Meant to Me: Peter O’Konski
In 2020, when all classes were online at UO, I took the CHC's debate course taught by Trond Jacobsen, Ph.D. Even virtually, Trond's commitment to facilitating rigorous research and high-quality discourse shone through. Now more than ever in this age of misinformation, being able to research the truth, recognize when others are using bad-faith arguments, and eloquently defend the facts are vital skills. Forensics should absolutely continue to be taught at the CHC.
- Peter O'Konski 2023 (undergrad) + 2025 (master's program) Communication Disorders and Sciences
What Forensics Has Meant to Me: Erin Casini
Mock trial provided me with a community to lean on and help me decide to take the leap of faith and go to law school. It taught me the skills of being a confident public speaker and basic trial skills that have made me successful in my career. I made life long friends that continue to encourage and support me to this day.
- Erin Casini 2017 Classics
What Forensics Has Meant to Me: Alex Gardner
Forensics teaches critical thinking and communication skills, two of the most essential skills for any professinal (and both sorely lacking in many contemporary UO graduates.)
- Alex Gardner 1986, 1988, 1991 Psychology, Biology, Law
What Forensics Has Meant to Me: Lisa Cornwell
I chose UO because of the department and the forensics program. My involvement over all my college years was critical to building my sense of self, my skills as an orator and my community within a large university. Forensics remains the most valuable part of my college career and I trust this is true for countless others. It would be tragic to see the program cancelled,
- Lisa Cornwell 1988 Rhetoric & Communication
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