Oregon State University’s Forensics (speech and debate) Team competed at the 36th Annual International Forensics Association (IFA) Tournament at the Wyndham Residence, Athens, Greece, March 5-12, 2026.
Senior Veronica Robinson, a Psychology major from Portland, was an octofinalist and ninth best speaker in Open IPDA Debate and took third place in the Greek Landmarks Nuance Event. She also competed in Open Impromptu and Open Informative Speaking.
“For Veronica, this is an incredible end to an amazing forensics career,” said Mark Porrovecchio, director of the team. “It has been a pleasure watching her growth. I am excited to see how her path develops when she graduates from OSU.”
The tournament featured over thirty colleges and universities from across the United States, including Texas Southern University, Houston, the United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo.; Ohio University, Athens; and the University of California, Santa Barbara. The IFA provides students from the United States with a competitive and educational forensics experience at a different international location each year. Past tournaments that OSU has attended include Tokyo, Japan; Dublin, Ireland; and Incheon, South Korea.
Also competing at the tournament was Sophomore Ellie Lucas, a Sociology major from Salem, who competed in Open Impromptu Speaking, Open Poetic Interpretation, Open IPDA Debate, and the Greek Landmarks Nuance Event.
The team was coached by graduate student Megan Baus from Salem. Baus is a former competitor for OSU and a current MAIS graduate student in the Speech Communication area of the School of Communication. Tasha Robinson of Hillsboro, a team alumna, former assistant coach, and former MAIS graduate in the School of Communication, also judged for the team at the tournament.
“What a wonderful way to end a great season,” continued Porrovecchio. “The team is going to be sad to see Veronica leave. But we have a number of gifted students, like Ellie, who are returning next year.”
Celebrating its 133rd season, OSU Forensics is one of the oldest clubs on campus and a member of the Performing Arts Board in the School of Communication. The team is open to all students in good academic standing regardless of experience or academic background. If you are a student interested in participating, or a member of the community who would like to support the team, please contact Porrovecchio at [email protected].
CONTACT:
Mark Porrovecchio
205 Shepard Hall`
737-8230
Veronica celebrating her success outside of the awards ceremony in Athens, Greece.
Ellie and Veronica, outside the awards ceremony.