Great Forester Speak Off earns students recognition

HUNTINGTON, IN MAY 7, 1997---The Huntington College Department of Communication hosted the Great Forester Speak Off on Tuesday, May 6. The event showcased the persuasive oratorical skills of Huntington College's finest student speakers.

Dr. Chris Leland, assistant professor of speech, chose the top students from each of his speech classes to face off in the event. Topping the competition were:

* Nathaniel Hamblin, a sophomore youth ministries major from Lapeer, Michigan, who was awarded first place for his speech "Personal Evangelism: Introducing an Old Friend."

* Mindy Case, a freshman from Camden, Michigan, who was awarded second place for her speech "Killing Me Softly: The Partial Birth Abortion Issue."

* Lisa Umphrey, a freshman mathematical education major from Heyworth, Illinois, who was awarded third place for her speech "God in the Next Desk: Religion in Schools."

Additional finalists included:

* Joy Patterson, a sophomore broadcasting major from Durand, Illinois. Patterson spoke on the healing power of laughter.

* Leslie Jacobs, a sophomore youth ministry major from Ossian, Indiana. Jacobs discussed the importance of washing your hands.

* Jaclyn Walter, a junior psychology major from Clare, Michigan. Walter described the state of poverty in America.

Speech communication is one of nearly 50 academic concentrations available from Huntington College. Founded in 1897 by the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, Huntington College offers high-quality academic programs "to equip men and women to impact our world for Christ." Located on a contemporary, wooded campus in Huntington, Indiana, the four-year liberal arts college offers both graduate and undergraduate degrees.