Ottawa University’s students may notice some changes this year when it comes to the Speech and Debate team.
“We really want to get our name out there and make sure the debate and forensics teams are acknowledged on campus,” Senior Danielle Fulmer said. “We won a lot of team awards and a lot of individual awards and we want to let the people know we are here and we are rockin’ it.”
Director of Forensics Ryan Louis said the team will be traveling further than in previous years. While last year the team only traveled as far as Michigan, this year it has plans to travel as far as Portland, Seattle and Nashville.
The team is also hoping to become more active on campus by hosting some school wide performances, producing a showcase at the end of the season and bringing speakers to campus.
“We are committed to making our presence more mutually beneficial,” Louis said. “We want to provide more opportunities to get involved around campus. We are in an expansion process so ideas are welcome.”
Fulmer said the team’s growth has allowed it to expand its budget making the changes it has planned possible.
“Last year was a building year and a lot of us got a taste for what the competition was like and how other teams compete,” Fulmer said. “We want to put Ottawa back on the market.”
Louis said the team went on a trip to Spring Hill from September 10 through September 11 that was a retreat for the team to bond as well as work on lab work.
“We’re a much more cohesive unit,” Louis said. “I am excited about the slate of students we have this year. They are bright and excited and full of a good energy that makes me feel energized.”
Louis said that students who are interested in getting involved are still able to through debate club.
“We have an open door policy,” Louis said. “Students don’t have to be enrolled to get involved.”
Students were able to sign up for emails about debate club during the activities fair Wednesday, September 1. Students that are wanting to find out more information on how to get involved can contact Louis, Fulmer, or Lee Nave, junior and President of Forensics Club.
“If you want to have the ability for public speaking, thinking on the fly or to think faster in general Forensics Club is a great way to develop that,” Nave said. “Everyone is welcome.”
While a time has not been set for the meeting times and locations, he said the group is hoping to set up a schedule in the next several weeks.