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Forensics

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Benefits

Through Whitworth Forensics, students gain valuable skills and self-confidence that will serve them throughout their lives, both personally and professionally. Whitworth's forensics alumni have gone on to successful careers in law, business, ministry, teaching, nonprofit fields and a variety of other professions. Students enjoy the thrill of competition, the fulfillment of reaching personal and team goals, and the lasting friendships among teammates.

Forensics serves students in several tangible ways:

  • It refines skills in critical thinking and communicating complex ideas.
  • It sharpens the ability to think quickly and respond well in conversation and debate settings.
  • It teaches advanced research skills useful inside and outside the tournament context.
  • It teaches confidence in developing ideas and fosters respect for other people and their ideas.
  • It fosters inquiry and enhances how people search for answers to meaningful questions.
  • It provides opportunity for effective teamwork in group settings.

Some recent alumni who completed their graduate studies:

  • Evan Barnes '16 completed medical school at Oregon Health & Science University and is now in residency at Massachusetts General Hospital.  
  • Jacob Farrell '19 completed a law degree at Ohio State University and is now practicing law in Seattle.
  • Stephanie Gibbons '15 completed a Ph.D. in political communication from Washington State University.
  • Alex Hoffmann '16 completed medical school at the University of Washington and is now studying cardiology there.
  • Rylee Walter '19 completed a master's in communication at the University of Montana.

Some alumni who are using their education in diverse ways:

  • Reylene Abbott '17 is the coach of the national champion cheerleading team at the College of Southern Idaho.
  • Tami Nida Arntzen '97 is an immigration lawyer in Richland, Wash.
  • Molly Griffith Burger '92 is a middle school principal at the Korea International School Pangyo campus in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.
  • Laura Chess '97 is an administrative law judge for the Social Security Administration in Mount Pleasant, Mich.
  • Sam Director '15 is an assistant professor of philosophy at the University of Richmond in Virginia.
  • Kat Duarte '17 is a technical program manager at Google in Switzerland.
  • James Eccles '17 is an elections analyst for the City of Portland, Ore.
  • Melissa McCabe Gombosky '93 is the principal owner and lobbyist for Gombosky Public Affairs in Olympia.
  • Deanna "Andie" Ingram '16 is the director of international students at Lower Columbia College in Longview, Wash.
  • Elizabeth Jacobs '17 is a behavioral health provider at CHAS Health in Spokane.
  • The Rev. Cindy Kohlman '95 is a connections presbyter for the New Castle Presbytery and a former co-moderator of the Presbyterian Church USA.
  • Rebecca Korf '15 is a visiting professor of philosophy at Whitworth University.
  • Michael Lawlor '99 is a tax attorney in private practice in Missoula, Mont.
  • Rachel Morrison '12 is a fellow at the Ethics & Public Policy Center in Washington, D.C.
  • Tracy Sims '91 is a senior advisor for global corporate affairs at Eli Lilly and Company in Indianapolis, Ind.
  • Sarah Streyder '15 is the executive director of Secure Families Initiative in Alexandria, Va.
  • Julie Underwood '93 works in disability/accommodation management for Blue Shield in California.