Testimonials

UO Forensics undoubtedly shaped my career path and success. Beyond providing an opportunity to practice trial advocacy, UOMT offered a community of like-minded students who have since supported me through taking the LSAT, law school, passing the bar, and practicing as an attorney.

- Sadie Kavalier 2019 Accounting

When I made the decision to attend UO, it was in large part due to the storied and historic reputation of the Forensics Department. I rejected debate scholarships from Whitman and American University, knowing that I had the chance to compete with UO. I was lucky enough to participate in speech and debate and mock trial during my time at UO. I even had the privilege of helping to lead our very first Frohnmayer Competition. Through the Forensics Department, I made some of my dearest friends and gained invaluable professional skills and had access to invaluable mentorship. It’s hard to put into words what my time in the Forensics Department meant, but I know I would be half the professional I am today without it. I’m lucky enough to have spent the better part of the last decade as a professional communicator working to elect people who I think work to build a better tomorrow for us all — and it all started with the Forensics Department.

- Michaela Kurinsky-Malos 2018 Political Science and History

The strong debate team was what attracted me to move across the country and attend the University of Oregon. Without the forensics program, I would have attended a different university. Debate was the core of my academic experience at the U of O and helped prepare me for an incredibly successful legal career.
While debating for the University of Oregon, I also coached the South Eugene high school debate team for six years. Many of the students I coached were children of professors at the U of O. The U of O debate program has a long history of strong connections with high school debate programs throughout the state. While working on my Masters in Public Administration degree at the U of O, I successfully obtained grants for both Churchill high school and North Eugene high school to add debate programs because they were the only schools in the area that did not have them.
Considering the deep political and ideological divides in our country at the moment, having civil intellectual debates that empower people learn to understand and engage both sides of arguments has never been more important.

- Jessica Bradley 2002 Political Science B.S. and MPA

My experiences in forensics, especially mock trial, have been some of the most meaningful parts of my education. Traveling to different tournaments and competing alongside my classmates gave me opportunities to grow closer to my peers and form lasting friendships through team bonding. The hours of preparation and practice sharpened my public speaking skills, built my confidence, and taught me how to think quickly under pressure. More than just a college activity, mock trial gave me communication and teamwork skills that I continue to use in adulthood, both personally and professionally.

- Ryan Iness 2024 Business Administration (accounting concentration)

The mock trial team was my favorite part of college and the reason I pursued a legal career. Mock trial made me empowered, invested in my studies, and a leader. I cannot imagine UO without mock trial. Forensics funding enabled me to participate as a PathwayOregon/pell grant student. It also got me into a top ten law school and a prestigious federal clerkship. UO cannot cut this program.

- Aviva Diamond 2019 Political science and Spanish