Westmont Magazine A Matter for Debate

Amanda Wigno, a communications studies major, won $1,000 at Westmont’s Tournament of Expressions: Finals in Debate, Great Speeches, Persuasive Speeches and Biblical Recitation in February. She captured both the great speeches and scripture recitation portions of the tournament. Nearly 10 percent of the student population entered the competition. Kirby Ifland, a communication studies and economics and business double major, finished first in the debate, while first-year student Eben Drost won the persuasive speech contest. Montecito residents Robert and Jean Svoboda (pictured at left), who donate annually to the tournament, attended the finals in Page Hall. Alumnus Doni Waisanen ’02, the first winner of the great speeches tournament in 2001, served as master of ceremonies for the event. Under the direction of communications studies professor Omedi Ochieng (fourth from left), students Teri Tan (far right) and Heather Chetian (far left) organized the month-long tournament, designed to further the study and development of critical thinking and oral communication.