Personal Stories
What Forensics Has Meant to Me: Jessica Bradley
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.
What Forensics Has Meant to Me: Matthew Clifton
The University of Oregon forensics team provided a platform to develop critical thinking skills, tools to ask strategic questions, techniques to be an active listener, and how to be an effective communicator. These skills have proven to be invaluable in my career and have opened doors to allow me to progress in my career.
What Forensics Has Meant to Me: Ryan Iness
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.
What Forensics Has Meant to Me: Annie Borgen
My experience competing in UO Mock Trial was instrumental in my pathway to being a current law student at the William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawaii, with plans to be a law clerk in Maui upon graduation this year. Currently, I coach King Kekaulike High School’s mock trial program in Maui. In both these endeavors, I frequently refer to the blessings of friendship, leadership, and education that UOMT provided me with.
What Forensics Has Meant to Me: Aviva Diamond
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.
What Forensics Has Meant to Me: Niharika Sachdeva
Without mock trial, I would not be where I am in my career. Mock trial taught me how to be a strong oral advocate, critical thinker, and leader. It also gave me a life long meaningful network of brilliant individuals.
What Forensics Has Meant to Me: Nicholas Hayman
I have not been directly involved in Forensics, but I recognize it's value for the university and community.
What Forensics Has Meant to Me: Drew Betts
To Whom It May Concern:
I competed with the program from 2012-2017 and acted as the Assistant Director of Forensic from 2017-2020. The Forensics Department fully funded my tuition fees for my legal degree and paid me an additional stipend. Half of my speed dial list is made up of friends I’ve made through the mock trial program. I am the lawyer I am because of my competitive experience. Young adults deserve the same opportunities. I am willing to speak about my experiences at length. Please do not hesitate to contact me directly.
What Forensics Has Meant to Me: Bruce Lundy
I have seen multiple friends find success in many walks of life largely due to their experiences im forensics.
What Forensics Has Meant to Me: Lori Lieberman
My participation in forensics Oregon was definitely an important part of my time at Oregon. I made life-long friends through Oregon forensics. I went from being a shy girl from Albany to someone who could expound confidently on any topic to anyone. I can't imagine a world class institution not having a true Speech Department.
What Forensics Has Meant to Me: William Bransford
Great travel, friends, better understanding of current day issues, important debate techniques
What Forensics Has Meant to Me: Diana Harker
Confidence. Community. Civic awareness and lifelong friendships.
What Forensics Has Meant to Me: Shawn MacDonald
Opportunity for learning how to use information and knowledge to form opinions and create meaningful rhetoric with others with whom you may not fully agree.
What Forensics Has Meant to Me: Jeff Shaw
It is no exaggeration to say that, without forensics, I would not have the life that I do. The critical thinking skills, research experience and development of public advocacy abilities all helped me immeasurably. Oregon Forensics has a proud tradition that provides vital service to young people. Please support it.
What Forensics Has Meant to Me: Maria “Masha” Mironova
My first visit to the UO campus was during the high school Speech and Debate tournament and that was the time from which onward I considered attending the university. Since then, Debate has become central to my college experience. From traveling to tournaments, to the in-depth research and preparation required to succeed, I have become a better student and person because of my participation in Debate. I feel a measurable and real difference in my ability to communicate clearly and efficiently, as well as being more prepared to explore a wide range of professional opportunities after graduation. None of this would have been possible without the training and community of UO Forensics.
What Forensics Has Meant to Me: Talon Kennedy
Participating in the forensics program during my undergraduate studies at the University of Oregon built on the skills I began developing during high school speech and debate. The support of UO Forensics extends beyond my experience in college, to my high school speech and debate experience. Growing up in a small town in Oregon, it was challenging to be competitive and grow speech and debate skills. The Robert D. Clark Invitational was a highlight of my year when participating in speech and debate in high school. The memories and experiences offered by UO Forensics influenced my interest in University of Oregon for undergraduate studies. Now I am back at University of Oregon for law school. This program is so impactful for students across the state, both prior to and throughout attendance at the University of Oregon.
Shaping My Career Beyond UO: Gabriel Scott
Forensics gave me skills for political advocacy, the practice of law, and also exposure to the life-long friendships and collaborations that make professional life actually livable.
Building My Academic and Intellectual Core: Gabriel Scott
Debate was easily the most valuable aspect of my education at UO - indeed without that there is no chance I would have attended. The members of the debate team, going to tournaments, the coaches and research were all formative. The forensics experience provided a sort of key that helped to unlock all of the other classes, and tied it all together in ways that brought learning back home to real life.
Here’s How You Can Support the Legacy.
Oregon Forensics has always been more than competition — it’s community, confidence, and lifelong connection.
Here’s how you can help keep that momentum going.