Forensics at Lewis & Clark College

Forensics

Over the pasty fifty years, Lewis & Clark has consistently ranked among the top colleges and universities in the nation in forensics.

Lewis & Clark has always ranked among the top three colleges in the Northwest Forensics Conference, has sent teams to the National Parliamentary Debate Association and National Parliamentary Tournament of Excellence national tournaments, and sent a host of competitors to the American Forensics Association Individual Events Nationals.

Lewis & Clark students have earned many individual and team honors. Keith West and Paul Bingham were the nation’s number one ranked team for the National Parliamentary Tournament of Excellence in 2003-04. In 2006 they represented the U.S. as our national team traveling in Great Britain. In 2005 Paul Bingham and Meredith Price won the National Parliamentary Debate Tournament. Meredith Price represented the U.S. in Britain in February of 2008, winning a 1st place speaker award, and Eric Atcheson is scheduled be one of three American debaters to debate the Irish National Team at the 2008 National Parliamentary Debate Tournament. Ghazal Sharifi was the Northwest’s top individual events speaker, and Scott Cheesewright was the 2nd place overall competitor in 2008. In 2007 Lewis & Clark sent Dorothy Mix, Amy Baugher, Scott Cheesewright, and Cassie Lealamanua to Individual Events Nationals. In 2006, Scott Cheesewright placed to semifinals in extemp, and Sage Howard and Ghazal Sharifi placed to quarterfinals in duo. In 2005, Sharl Azar placed to quarterfinals in persuasion.

Lewis & Clark has a number of distinguished forensics alumni:

Earl Blumenauer U.S. Congressman from Oregon
Serena Cruz former Multnomah County Commissioner
Marcia Smith U.S. District Judge
Larry Campbell former Speaker of the Oregon House
Landon Mascarenez former L&C student body president now Executive Director New Mexico Teach for America
Mark Olsen Playwright writer producer, Big Love
Stephen Dover Franklin Templeton Advisors L&C Trustee
Roxane White Manager Denver Human Services

L&C Forensics FAQ

Forensics sharpens your ability to research and analyze problems, think and listen critically, express your thoughts clearly and fluently, and better understand public affairs. It increases your confidence and poise and provides constant intellectual stimulation. Senior concludes debate career with international challenge
Listen to an interview with Eric Atcheson
Spring 2008

Open to Debate: Lewis and Clark Championship Debaters Speak Up About Forensics
Lewis & Clark Chronicle
Spring 2005

There's No Debate: Forensics Team Excels
Lewis & Clark Chronicle
Summer 2002

Contact:
Steven Hunt, Professor of Communication
Office: J.R. Howard Hall 361
Phone: 503-768-7617
Email: hunt@lclark.edu