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First annual Karl Mundt Speech contest a success

            The Karl E. Mundt Foundation once again provided support and encouragement for the oral communication skills of DSU’s students by providing generous awards to the winners of the first annual Karl Mundt Speech Contest for students enrolled in the general education communication courses at DSU.  Held April 25 on the DSU campus, 16 students competed in informative and persuasive speaking events.  The top three winners in each event received cash awards.

In Informative Speaking:  Gary Haken and Blaire Bacon advanced to finals and received certificates of excellence.  Joe Casavan placed third earning $100 (The Sport of Curling); Clifford Wilson placed second earning $125 (The Art of Putting); and Jeannie Bucholz place first earning $150 (Building Terrariums).

In Persuasive Speaking:  Desiree Fodnes and Shaun Dorothy advanced to finals and received certificates of excellence.  Summer Cousins placed third earning $100 (The Dangers of Drinking and Driving); Jeannie Bucholz placed second earning $125 (Gender Bias in the Film Industry); and Kendra Cotton placed first earning $150 (Make Exercise a Part of Your Life).

Judges for the preliminary rounds were DSU library and liberal arts faculty. Final round judges included: DSU president Jerald Tunheim; Madison mayor, Royce Hueners; Chamber of Commerce director, Darci Stewart; Mundt Foundation Vice President, Ethelle Bean; Dean of Students, Dr. Terry Ryan and retired physician, Dr. Richard Belatti.

The event was organized by Dr. Robert Jackson with assistance from Jim Swanson, Bill Henjum, Susan Conover and the College of Liberal Arts.