CORVALLIS, Ore. – Oregon State University’s Forensics (speech and debate) Team attended the Great Salt Lake Invitational & UTEP Individual Events Classic, held on the campus of the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, on Jan. 18-19, 2025. The ‘swing’ event, which featured two complete tournaments in one weekend, was cohosted by the University of Texas, El Paso. This was the second time that OSU attended this event.
Senior Emerson Pearson, a Political Science major from Beaverton, and SophomoreVeronica Robinson, a Psychology major from Portland, closed out Open IPDA Debate, with the former taking first and the latter taking second. In addition, Emerson placed sixth in Open Impromptu Speaking.
“This was an amazing performance by Emerson and Veronica in debate,” said Mark Porrovecchio, director of the team. “And Emerson demonstrated her skills in impromptu while going up against some talented competition.”
The tournament featured a dozen schools from across the country, including California State University Fullerton; the College of Southern Idaho, Twin Falls; the University of the Pacific, Stockton, Calif.; and Colorado College, Colorado Springs.
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.
“The University of Utah always puts on a great tournament,” continued Porrovecchio. “It’s also a nice chance to compete against some wonderful schools from outside of the Northwest.”
Celebrating its 132nd 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
Photo (from left to right): Emerson Pearson and Veronica Robinson spending some time with Swoop the Ute.