Latest News About the Forensics Speech and Debate Team

October 21, 2022 - UIndy Speech and Debate Team Competes in their First In-Person Competition of the Season

The University of Indianapolis Speech and Debate Team competed in their first in-person tournament of the season in the 51st Age of Aquarius hosted by Ball State University (BSU) on October 15, 2022. Varsity members Whitney Wilson and Bhumibol Shakya placed in finals, as well as novice member Jesutofunmi Oyeleke, who ranked as top novice in extemporaneous speaking.

The UIndy Speech and Debate Team is a diverse nationally ranked learning-centered community that competes in public speaking and debate events. The team consists of members from various majors, as well as several international students. Stephanie Wideman, assistant professor of communication, serves as the team director.

“Our team has a long history of competing at BSU. We are always grateful for their hospitality and the high quality of competition their tournament offers,” Wideman said.

Whitney Wilson ‘23 is the president of the team this year. “I am so proud of this team and all of the novice members who competed for the first time. It was amazing to be able to be back in person again this year,” Wilson said.

“I was really nervous but I think it was a positive experience. The varsity members have been very supportive,” said first-time competitor Jesutofunmi Oyeleke said.

See the full list of placing members below:

Jesutofunmi Oyeleke (computer science ‘26) - 5th novice impromptu, 5th extemp, top novice
Bhumibol Shakya (psychology and communication ‘23) - 3nd Impromptu
Whitney Wilson (communication ‘23) - 5th Prose

Audrey Cunningham started the UIndy Speech Team in 1986, with the Debate Team following in 1987. The Speech and Debate Team takes great pride in being the first team at the University of Indianapolis to win a national championship.

September 29, 2022 - UIndy Speech and Debate Ranks Third Overall with a Persuasive Speaking Champion at the Marks Invitational Tournament

The University of Indianapolis Speech and Debate Team competed in their first tournament of the season in the Marks Invitational hosted virtually by the University of West Florida on September 24, 2022. The team ranked third overall with varsity member, Elise Paz, named tournament champion in persuasive speaking.

The UIndy Speech and Debate Team is a nationally ranked learning-centered community that competes in speaking events to enhance student’s communication, research, and public speaking skills. Stephanie Wideman, assistant professor of communication, serves as the team director.

“As an alum of the University of West Florida, it was particularly rewarding to see the team be successful at this tournament. Things are looking up for this competitive year!,” Wideman said.

Bhumibol Shakya ‘23 (psychology and communication) is the Vice President of the team this season. During this tournament he ranked second in impromptu and sixth in extemporaneous speaking. “I want to thank my team for creating a positive environment and for helping me succeed in the first tournament of my senior year,” he said.

See the full list of team results:

Elise Paz (finance and spanish ‘23) - 1st Persuasive Speaking
Charbel Harb (biology ‘25) - 4th extemp
Mia Lehmkuhl (communication ‘25) - 3rd POI
Bhumibol Shakya (psychology and communication ‘23) - 2nd Impromptu, 6th Extemp

Audrey Cunningham started the UIndy Speech Team in 1986, with the Debate Team following in 1987. The Speech and Debate Team takes great pride in being the first team at the University of Indianapolis to win a national championship.

September 22, 2022 - The UIndy Speech and Debate Team begins the 2022-23 Season with Big Numbers

The University of Indianapolis Speech and Debate Team welcomes its largest team in several years. The team is made up of several returning varsity members and a large number of novice students, with a total of 16 competitors and three coaches.

The UIndy Speech and Debate Team is a diverse nationally ranked learning-centered community that competes in public speaking and debate events. The team consists of members from various majors, as well as several international students. Stephanie Wideman, assistant professor of communication, serves as the team director.

“This energy this year is palpable. Not only are we excited about our new members, but everyone is ecstatic to be able to travel and compete in person again,” said Wideman.

Whitney Wilson ‘23 (communication) is leading as president this year. “I am so excited to see where this team goes. There is an incredible amount of potential here, we’re going to have a lot of fun this year,” she said.

Craig-Anesu Chigadza, an internationally ranked UIndy and Speech and Debate alum, has returned this semester to coach. His focus is on coaching extemporaneous and impromptu speeches. “The opportunity to be back serving the team this semester as a coach to me signifies my speech and debate journey coming full circle. I am honored to have this opportunity to mentor a new generation of talented Greyhounds,” explained Chigadza.

Audrey Cunningham started the UIndy Speech Team in 1986, with the Debate Team following in 1987. The Speech and Debate Team takes great pride in being the first team at the University of Indianapolis to win a national championship.

Full list of team members:

Varsity:
- Megan Copeland (political science and communication ‘23)
- Charbel Harb (Biology ‘25)
- Mia Lehmkuhl (Communication ‘25)
- Elise Paz (Finance and Spanish ‘23)
- Bhumibol Shakya (Psychology and Communication ‘23)
- Whitney Wilson (Communication ‘23)
Novice:
- Naman Bajpai (Computer Sciences ‘26)
- Roshni Hasan (Pre-Med ‘26)
- Beau Hull (Psychology ‘26)
- Yifan Luo (Business Administration and Management ‘23)
- Gabriel Means (Communication ‘25)
- Elyssa Merrill (Psychology ‘26)
- Jesutofunmi Oyeleke (Computer Sciences ‘26)
- Sara Russell (Communication ‘23)
- Tashfique Aziz Sarker (Business ‘26)
- Sydnee Widmann (Psychology ‘25)

October 15, 2020 - UIndy Speech and Debate Director Weighs in on Presidential Debates

“To some degree, you can say yes personal responsibility is important. Getting their message across is important. But, debate format and structure can go a long way toward promoting more civil discussion,” said Wideman.

October 13, 2020 - UIndy Speech and Debate Team Has Success Going Virtual

The University of Indianapolis Speech and Debate Team competed in their first tournament of the year and first virtual tournament ever in the 2020 T-Town Swing Tournament hosted by Tulsa Community College and Northeastern State University.

August 19, 2019 - Finding His Voice: Craig Chigadza on winning a national championship with the UIndy Speech and Debate Team

Craig Anesu Chigadza ’21 came to the University of Indianapolis with dreams to walk onto the track team and eventually compete in the Olympics. Instead, he discovered his talent for a different kind of competition.

February 21, 2019 - Speech and Debate Team Brings Home High Marks and Persuasive Speaking State Champion

The University of Indianapolis Speech and Debate Team earned high marks at the Indiana Forensics Association (IFA) State Championship in February 2019 at Ivy Tech Community College-Indianapolis. The team earned widespread accolades throughout the tournament, culminating in bringing home the State Championship title in Persuasive Speaking.

November 14, 2018 - UIndy Speech and Debate Team is tournament champion at Muskingum University

The University of Indianapolis Speech and Debate Team earned a big win recently at Muskingum University’s Tournament in New Concord, Ohio. Overall, the team placed first, earning the title of tournament champions. In addition, two students earned top marks and were named tournament champions in individual events.