Departmental Awards

Debater of The Year

Awarded to the debater whose intravarsity and intervarsity debating record stands as tall as their overall contribution to debating excellence at the University of La Verne for the academic year.

Robert Rivera Award

Named in honor of the La Verne Debate Team Founder, Robert Rivera (1921-2004), this award is given to the student who exemplifies dedication, commitment, excellence, and service to the team and won love, admiration, and respect from all its members.

Dr. Jeanne Flora Award

Named in honor of Dr. Jeanne K. Flora, the first Speech Communication Department Chair, this award is given to the graduating Speech Communication/Rhetoric and Communication Studies Department student whose senior project (both written and verbal form) exceeded expectations and deserves distinction.

Best Speaker Award

Awarded to the individual events competitor whose intervarsity record exceeds expectations and for their overall contribution to speech excellence at the University of La Verne for the academic year.

Judi Stillwell Award

Named in honor of the late Judi Stillwell, from the finance department, who would give her wonderful spirit towards helping the debate team travel across continents, this award is given to the individual who is chosen to travel on the team, and resembles the spirit of La Verne values, and keeps the travelers in mind, while bringing a spirit that makes travel enjoyable.

Ian Lising Award

Named in honor of Professor Ian Lising, former Chair of the World Council and a distinguished international debate judge, who has judged many World Final rounds, Oxford Final rounds, and other prestigious national finals, this award is given to the individual who exceeds the judging role at national and local tournaments.