Public Speaking Competition
First Round Schedule
The purpose of the Public Speaking Competition is to promote and showcase student excellence in public
speaking. This event is organized and supported by the Department of Communication Studies and Public
Speaking Center. Click here to learn more about this event, timeline, and judging rubric. Questions should be
directed to Dr. Tony Docan-Morgan. Note that sessions are open to the public.
* denotes lead judge, who will facilitate each session
Session #1: December 4th from 2:15-3:40 in Carl Wimberly Hall 139
Judges: Heike Hunter*, Jennifer Butler Modaff, Mike Tollefson, and Madie Norris
Student name
Purpose/thesis statement
Jennifer Juley
To persuade the audience to stop glorifying the use of animals as
entertainment in circuses, by a boycott of circuses
Libbie Miller
To persuade listeners to join in efforts to prevent sexual assault on college
campuses
Cooper Prindl
To persuade the audience that a number of harmful chemicals (food additives)
that are put in our food need to be banned to help make the U.S. a healthier
country
Nicole Stock
To persuade the audience that global warming is a serious issue and convince
them to change their daily routines in order to help the environment
Session #2: December 4th from 2:15-3:40 in Carl Wimberly Hall 206
Judges: Tony Docan-Morgan*, Nici Ploeger-Lyons, Amy Wolff, and Fue Yang
Student name
Purpose/thesis statement
Ellen Arndt
To persuade the audience to mentor a child at the Boys and Girls Club
Ashley Langeslag
To persuade the audience to change their attitude about playing rugby at UWL
Megan Preston
To persuade the audience to use a positive attitude in friendships
Jenae Winter
To persuade the audience to learn another language
1
Session #3: December 4th from 3:55-5:20 in Carl Wimberly Hall 112
Judges: Kate Lavelle* and Bailey Benedict; judges will arrive at approximately 3:50 PM
Student name
Purpose/thesis statement
Andrew Anklam
To persuade the audience to reconsider college speech codes
Drew Dixon
To persuade the audience that it is beneficial to plant more trees here at UWL
Nicole Niedfeldt
To persuade the audience about the dangers of texting and driving and how to
prevent it
Shaina Wales
To persuade the audience that the North/South Corridor is essential to the La
Crosse community
Session #4: December 4th from 3:55-5:20 in Carl Wimberly Hall 111
Judges: Pamela Morris* and Joseph Van Oss
Student name
Purpose/thesis statement
Cara Henney
To persuade the audience to take action regarding polluted Wisconsin
waterways
Maggie Parker
To persuade and motivate the audience on the importance of voting
Alexandra Ronnestrand
To persuade the audience about some solutions to the problem of texting while
driving
Chandler Roskom
To persuade the audience that sharks are not to be feared and that they need
our protection
2
Session #5: December 5th from 12:05-1:00 in Cartwright Center 326
Judges: Susan Schuyler*, Dan Modaff, Gabe Grelle, and Jeffrey Hill
Student name
Purpose/thesis statement
Allie Beine
To persuade the audience to reduce the amount of fast and processed foods
they eat
Janie Gadsby
To persuade the audience not to text while driving
Patrick Fischenich
To persuade the audience to use humor in friendships
Savana Kettner
To persuade the audience to mentor a child through Big Brothers Big Sisters
Session #6: December 5th from 1:10-2:05 in Cartwright Center 337
Judges: Laura Nelson*, Mike Tollefson, Terry Smith, and Brandon Forcier
Student name
Purpose/thesis statement
Katie Eisenhauer
To persuade the audience to study abroad
Sarah Hecht
To persuade the audience to protest against the new train track proposal in La
Crosse
Samantha Mueller
To persuade the audience to not ignore domestic violence
Morgan Watson
To persuade the audience to support ACS by participating in the Relay for Life
Session #7: December 5th from 2:15-3:10 in Cartwright Center 326
Judges: Laura Nelson*, Ronda Leahy, Carrie Melin, and Chris Farvour
Student name
Purpose/thesis statement
Katie Chaneske
To persuade the audience to implement a policy to support Vet. program at
UWL
Carly Ferguson
To persuade the audience to eat healthier
Logan Godfrey
To persuade the audience to spread awareness of prostate cancer
Hannah Isberner
To persuade the audience to support the student organization Rainbow Unity
3
Session #8: December 5th from 3:20-4:15 in Cartwright Center 337
Judges: Ayesha Patnaik*, Matt Windett, and Bailey Benedict
Student name
Purpose/thesis statement
Allie Clark
To persuade students about healthy food options on campus
Derek Edwards
To persuade the audience to donate to Habitat for Humanity personally or
monetarily
Sydney Kurth
To persuade the audience that medical marijuana causes more harm than
good
Allison Shaver
To persuade the audience to volunteer at the YMCA Teen Center
Session #9: December 5th from 3:20-4:15 in Cartwright Center 326
Judges: Kate Lavelle* and Ashley Voxland
Student name
Purpose/thesis statement
Adria Braley
To persuade the audience to take action against hate crimes perpetrated
against the LGBTQ community at UW-L
Shyler Harmsen
To persuade the audience to refrain from distracted driving
Sara Vesel
To persuade the audience to use less electronic communication in friendships
Lang Vu
TBA
4