Marian University Speech and Debate Team Places Ninth in the Nation

Marian's program now recognized as a "Program of Excellence"

The Marian University Speech & Debate Team is in the top ten in the nation again after placing ninth overall and fifth in individual events at the Pi Kappa Delta National Tournament in March 2024.

The team traveled to Glendale Community College in Phoenix, Arizona, and competed against 69 other schools. This is Marian's team's sixth consecutive year in the top 10 nationally. Marian has a National Champion, an All-American, and a nationally recognized Rising Star.

"Each year I am blown away with the amount of talent and performances as our team is simply exceptional year, after year, after year,” said Program Director and Assistant Communication Professor Drew Stewart. “Our students exemplify exceptional preparedness, unwavering focus, and remarkable tenacity, embodying the qualities of intelligent leadership. Their diligent efforts consistently reflect in our achievements, and I couldn't be more proud of their accomplishments." 

Categories:

Superior-placed in the top 10% in their speaking event
Excellent - placed in the top 20% in their speaking event
Showcase participant - student was selected by the tournament to do an exemplary performance of their individual speaking event

Congratulations to the following team members:

Bethanie Majewski '24 - National Champion in Student Scholarship, 3rd place in the nation in Persuasive Speaking, & Superior in Interviewing