Forensics in Wartime

World War II dramatically reshaped the symposium era. Even as the war disrupted student life, Oregon’s symposium teams continued to travel and present before diverse audiences. Their discussions shifted toward urgent questions such as “What Does Youth Want After This War?” and “How Can We Keep a Sense of Humor During This World Conflict?”

Faculty leaders, such as Professor J. L. Casteel and Instructor Marvin Krenk, adapted the program to integrate with radio broadcasting, enabling symposium voices to reach beyond live audiences to the airwaves. Weekly programs produced in collaboration with KOAC Radio blended speech, music, news, and drama, amplifying the civic mission of Oregon Forensics at a time when the nation most needed dialogue.

Despite the challenges of wartime, symposium forensics remained a hallmark of Oregon’s intellectual life, preparing students not only to speak but also to think critically about democracy in crisis.