Brownson Speech and Debate Team Ready for the Spring Semester  

Seton Hall Forensics Brownson Speech and Debate team, recognized for its continued legacy in rhetorical excellence, is ready to compete again after a triumphant fall semester competition season. Catherine Zizik, team director and Associate Professor of Communications in the College of Communication and the Arts, is looking forward to what the spring semester will hold.

"The interdisciplinary nature of this team allows for rhetoric to be collaborative and inventive," said Zizik. "Having students from the various schools and colleges at Seton Hall creates an environment that is open to different perspectives."

The Speech and Debate team ended the fall competition season on a high note, earning second place in Individual Events at the Off-Broadway Spring Tournament held on the campuses of Nassau Community College and Hofstra University. This event was the largest tournament of the season and the Pirate speakers defeated teams from Cornell University, Bowling Green State University, Brooklyn College, Colorado College, Queens College, University of Florida and San Diego Mesa College.

Each member of the team took home an award from the competition. Sophomore Sean Keegan took home first place in persuasive speaking. Sophomore Emily Feazel earned second place in After Dinner Speaking and second overall top speaker at the tournament. Junior Brian Sumereau, partnered with Feazel, championed in Dramatic Duo. Sumereau also earned second place in Extemporaneous Speaking.

"Brownson is an outlet to expose myself to countless areas of interests. I am able to direct my passion toward a cause that needs a voice," says Sumereau. "It is truly an honor to speak on behalf of an author or an entire movement, and I thank Brownson for giving me the opportunity to do so."

Zizik notes and appreciates the dedication given to the Speech and Debate team from students and faculty. With help from head coach Sam Ohrenberger-Hopkins, who received his B.A. and M.A. in Communications from George Mason University, the team continues to grow and succeed. Four students on the current Brownson team are qualified for 12 national events. The team plans to compete at a national invitational showcase tournament at The University of Texas at Austin in January.

For more information about the Brownson Speech and Debate team and the audition process, please contact Catherine Zizik at [email protected].

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