SRU debate team wins NEDA national championship

April 25, 2024

The Debate Society at Slippery Rock University placed first in the nation at the National Educational Debate Association Conference, April 5-6, in Detroit, Michigan. The team is coached by Heather Frederick, an SRU professor of political science. Among the individual championships, several SRU students were recognized:

• Elizabeth Buchan, a senior English major from Mercer, placed first in the traditional policy debate division and fourth place in the place speaker division.
• Jacob Campbell, a junior political science major from Butler, placed fifth in the traditional policy debate division and fifth place in the place speaker division.
• Charli Severo, a sophomore political science major from Albion, was 6-0 during the initial varsity rapid fire division but lost during the semifinals.
• Clementine Grossoehme, a junior political science major from Grove City, was 6-0 during the initial varsity rapid fire division but lost during the semifinals.
• Hayden Fritz, a sophomore political science major from Slippery Rock, placed first in the novice rapid fire division.
• Lydia Aiuppy, a freshman strategic communication and media major from Hermitage, placed second in the novice rapid fire division.
• Louie Fell, a freshman political science major from Butler, placed third in the novice rapid fire division.
• Tamirah Worthy, a sophomore economics major from Erie, placed third in the speaker division.

NEDA hosts yearly debate competitions across the country, with more than a dozen universities in attendance.