SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — The Seton Hall University College of Communication and the Arts Brownson Speech and Debate Team’s year culminated with a strong finish at the National Forensics Association Tournament at Ball State University in Muncie, Ind. Megan Ferguson, Stephanie Gomulka and Siobhan McGirl were awarded ninth place overall in the President’s II Division. Their victory capped off a year which saw them capture 157 awards at tournaments across the country.
“It is so rewarding to see students mature through channels of public communication,” Brownson Speech and Debate Team Director Catherine Zizik, who is also an associate professor of communication and director of forensics, said in a press release. “Their passions and pride in their accomplishments provide a great breeding ground for advocacy and peace. They are the voice of Seton Hall.”
For senior Ferguson, graduating with majors in international relations and diplomacy and philosophy, the experience was bittersweet.
“Although I am sad I won’t have the opportunity to compete the same way again, I am incredibly proud of the messages my teammates and I managed to give — not only at this tournament, but for the past four years. And I am certain each of them will continue being strong and passionate advocates even after our competitive career is finished,” she said. Ferguson competed in communication analysis, and extemporaneous, impromptu, after dinner, persuasive and informative speaking.
In her final year of competition she excelled. She captured 19 placements including six first placements, competing at James Madison and the New York/New Jersey State Championships. Ferguson also took second place at the VA for Lovers Tournament.
She plans to pursue a legal career with a focus on civil liberties and national security, with a focus on counterterrorism policies. Ferguson is from Tualatin, Ore.
Among some of the strongest Brownson Speech and Debate Team showings were those of Gomulka, who won first place Southern-Northern-Atlantic Forensics Union at Nassau Community College Tournament; second place at the NY/NJ State Championships; first place SNAFU at Seton Hall; and first place at the NY/NJ State Championships, where she was awarded Champion Top Overall Speaker and second place SNAFU at Nassau Community College.
While many have graduated and concluded their time with the debate team, others are looking toward the future and continued success. McGirl, a junior who is grateful for the opportunity to expand her mind by competing, reflected on the future of the team.
“Our team is solid. I have never been so excited for the future of the Brownson Speech and Debate team. Some cool stuff will be happening next year and I can’t wait to see what we do as a team. I am so grateful for the camaraderie,” she said.
While current members are excited about future competitions, the team is also excited to be welcoming a new class of freshman debaters. Future Brownson competitors will be Zach Shaw from South Dakota, Colin Price from Texas, Desiree Marks from California and Andrew Del Rosario from New Jersey.
For incoming Brownson members, McGirl advises: “Pick messages close to your heart, memorize your speeches, have passion, have flare. Don’t forget where you come from. Don’t forget who you are. Don’t forget who has your back. We are Seton Hall Pirates. We are fearless. Now go change the world.”
For more information about the College of Communication and the Arts and the Brownson Speech and Debate Team, please visit the website here.
Photos Courtesy of Seton Hall University
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