Testimonials
How I Found My Way to UO Forensics: Peter Messer
Participation in the UO High School forensics tournament introduced me to the campus as a lovely place, walking from building to building both to get to places to compete, but also to just kill time. While at the University to compete we encountered flyers advertising speakers and upcoming events that made the University of Oregon appear to be an exciting and intellectual vibrant community I would like to join. Stumbling across the odd campus event or even protest only reinforced that sense.
While competing in forensics in high school I also attended a debate camp at the University of Oregon, which reinforced many of the above mentioned experiences. It also introduced me to many University of Oregon debaters, some of whom would become my friends, who made the University seem to be both a great place to continue competing in forensics, but also to attend school. As I encountered these people over the ensuing years they made a regular and persuasive pitch for me to attend the University. These relationships played a pivotal role in me becoming a Duck.
~ Peter Messer 1990 Clark Honors College
What Forensics Has Meant to Me: Greg Oakes
Forensics was a core component of my professional, academic and personal lives. It help me to structure arguments and discussions. It is fundamental to my problem solving skills that made me a successful professional.
~ Greg Oakes 1988 Business Administration/English
What Forensics Has Meant to Me: Sarah Goldfeder
The ability to think critically, quickly.
- Sarah Goldfeder 1992 Political Science
What Forensics Has Meant to Me: Lacey Arizona
My debate friends are the dearest friends and best professional network that I have to this day
- Lacey Arizona 1996 Art history
What Forensics Has Meant to Me: Cora Stevens
Prior to taking forensics classes, I was not confident in public speaking or debate skills. I was not sure if I was going to enjoy the classes I took but I really did and it truly helped improve my confidence in public speaking and creating convincing arguments. I even went on to do two different debate tournaments that I placed second in and the University of Oregon won in over all. The department also has wonderful professors that truly care about what they do. I think this program is incredibly valuable and should continue!
~ Cora Stevens 2025 Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
What Forensics Has Meant to Me: Cora Stevens
Prior to taking forensics classes, I was not confident in public speaking or debate skills. I was not sure if I was going to enjoy the classes I took but I really did and it truly helped improve my confidence in public speaking and creating convincing arguments. I even went on to do two different debate tournaments that I placed second in and the University of Oregon won in over all. The department also has wonderful professors that truly care about what they do. I think this program is incredibly valuable and should continue!
- Cora Stevens 2025 Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
What Forensics Has Meant to Me: Andrew Dizon
UOMT was one of the best experiences of my college career. Without it I doubt I would’ve have been motivated to have pushed or inspired to pursue my career as an attorney. It gave me an opportunity to travel the country develop my critical thinking reading and writing and oral argument skills. Not to mention my soft interpersonal skills that I used every day of my life. Please keep this program.
- Andrew Dizon 2019 Psychology
What Forensics Has Meant to Me: Anastasia Gilmartin
My experience in mock trial at the University of Oregon was foundational in preparing me for law school and, ultimately, my career as an attorney. The program gave me early, practical exposure to the courtroom—teaching me how to think on my feet, craft persuasive arguments, and communicate with confidence. Those skills carried directly into law school, where I felt better equipped to brief cases and argue in class. Mock trial didn’t just prepare me academically—it gave me the discipline, resilience, and advocacy tools that continue to shape my work as a practicing attorney today
- Anastasia Gilmartin 2013 Psychology
What Forensics Has Meant to Me: S. Amanda Marshall
My experience as a debater at UO was likely the most formative experience in my academic career. I see the mentorship of Dr. David Frank, and as a peer of Trond Jacobsen, I learned to critically evaluate evidence and arguments. More importantly, I found my voice. Were it not for UO debate I would not have pursued law school which led to an amazing career advocating on behalf of our most vulnerable citizens.
- S. Amanda Marshall 1992 Rhetoric and Communication
What Forensics Has Meant to Me: Katie Gray
I volunteer with the high school program. It is amazing to see the kids grow and I hope UO continues the program.
- Katie Gray 2008 Business Administration - Information Systems and Operations Management
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