Bruschke and Congalton

There's Lots of Debate for These Professors
by Susan Katsaros

from Dateline ( January 30, 2003)

Q:	You recently held a high school debate tournament on campus.

A:	Bruschke. Yes we did. In fact, the great niece and great nephew of fellow professor of speech communication, Norman Page, competed in the January high school invitational attended by more than 1,000 high schoolers. One took third-place in novice impromptu speaking and the other won in extemporaneous speaking. Additionally, the son of Richard Wiseman, professor of speech communication, also competed in the invitational; and from sister campus Cal State North-ridge, Don Brownlee, chair of communication's studies, attended as his daughter was competing in the interpretation category. Recent V&V honoree Terry Giles was an award-winning debater, who now contributes fiscal support to the program.



Q:	Why should students join the forensics team?

A:	Congalton. A participant of the forensics team learns analytical and critical thinking, research and public speaking skills.



Q:	How many members are on the CSUF team? And what is the operating budget of the forensics team?

A:	Bruschke and Congalton. We have 13 members each on the debate team and individual events team. Our operating budget is roughly $50,000. This pales in comparison to institutions like Idaho State University, which has more than a $100,000 budget, or like USC, where three of their 10 full-ride scholarships equal our entire operating budget.



Q:	How many hours a week would you say our students devote to research, practice and travel? How many hours would you say you devote to forensics?

A:	Bruschke. About 20-30 hours a month for students and 40-60 hours a month for the directors.



Q:	How often are you on the road with our students?

A:	Bruschke. Eight to 10 times a month we are traveling with the team. There are times when I get into the car and I don't know which airport I'm going to.