SPRING 2009
FULTON DEBATE RANKED IN TOP TEN IN BOTH
CEDA AND NDT RANKINGS FOR 2008-2009 (4.24.09)
In the final standings released by the Cross-Examination Debate Association (CEDA) and the National Debate Tournament Committee (NDT), Boston College achieved a top ten ranking: 6th place in CEDA and 9th in NDT. Points are awarded based on a school's best performance at six tournaments for the CEDA rankings and eight tournaments for the NDT rankings.
FINAL CDA RANKINGS FOR 2008-2009
1. Liberty University
2. Binghamton University
3. University of Oklahoma
4. University of Kansas
5. Emory University
6. BOSTON COLLEGE
7. Wake Forest University
8. University of Mary Washington
9. Northwestern University
10. Wichita State University
11. United States Military Academy
12. University of Central Oklahoma
13. Kansas State University
14. University of California, Berkeley
15. Towson University
16. University of West Georgia
17. University of Louisiana, Lafayette
18. Gonzaga University
19. Clarion University
20. University of Minnesota
21. Baylor University
22. Harvard University
23. Michigan State University
24. University of Wyoming
25. University of Texas, Austin
FINAL NDT RANKINGS FOR 2009-2009
1. Liberty University
2. Binghamton University
3. University of Oklahoma
4. Emory University
5. University of Kansas
6. Wake Forest University
7. United States Military Academy
8. Northwestern University
9. BOSTON COLLEGE
10. Wichita State University
11. University of Mary Washington
12. Kansas State University
13. University of Central Oklahoma
14. Towson University
15. University of California, Berkeley
16. Clarion University
17. Baylor University
18. Gonzaga University
19. Harvard University
20. Whitman University
21. Cornell University
22. Michigan State University
23. West Virginia University
24. University of Louisiana, Lafayette
25. University of Minnesota
GABE STACY WINS 117th ANNUAL FULTON PRIZE DEBATE;
JOHN MAHONEY, JR., NAMED FULTONIAN OF THE YEAR! (4.16.09)
Gabriel Stacy '12, an economics major from Pittsburgh, won the 117th Annual Fulton Prize Debate held on April 15th in Gasson 305 before a standing-room only crowd. The topic for the debate was, "Resolved: That Congress should repeal the Federal Uniform Drinking Age Act." The judges for the debate were Dr. Charles Morris, Howard Singer and Dr. John L. Mahoney, Sr.
Debating on the affirmative side was Brendan Benedict '12, a political science major from New Jersey, and Sean O’Hara '09, a history major from Vermont. Debating on the negative side with Stacy was Matthew Maerowitz '10, an economics major from Arizona.
The affirmative side argued that binge drinking among college students and underage youths was rampant today. In light of the failure of the 21 year old drinking age law to curtail binge drinking, the affirmative advocated allowing the individual states to enforce lower drinking ages if they agree to implement alcohol education programs before issuing provisional drinking licenses to 18 to 20 year olds.
Arguing against this proposal, the negative side claimed that lowering the drinking age will facilitate the provision of alcohol to high school students, resulting in higher rates of binge drinking. Moreover, the negative cited evidence from the National Highway Safety Administration and other studies who have determined that lowering the drinking age will cause a dramatic increase in highway traffic fatalities.
In a unanimous decision, the judges awarded the debate to the negative side and named Gabriel Stacy as the top speaker. As the top speaker of the debate, Gabriel Stacy received the gold Fulton Medal and his name will be painted on the front wall of Gasson 305. Stacy was also honored as the 2009 recipient of the Joseph F. Quinn award for being the outstanding first year debater.
As the second place speaker, Sean O’Hara received the silver Gargan Medal. O’Hara was also named the 2009 recipient of the Kevin P. Duffy Award for Excellence in Debate. During the 2008-2009 debate season, O’Hara won three tournaments held at Cornell, Western Connecticut, and the University of Massachusetts.
John Mahoney, Jr., the Director of Admissions at Boston College, was honored as the Fultonian of the Year. Mahoney was recognized for his record of excellence in improving the student selectivity ratings for the admissions office and for his assistance in admitting talented debaters to Boston College.
FULTON PRIZE DEBATE TO BE HELD ON APRIL 15;
JOHN MAHONEY, JR., TO BE HONORED AS FULTONIAN OF THE YEAR (4.1.09)
The 117th Annual Fulton Prize Debate will be held on Wednesday, April 15th, at 7:00 p.m. in the Fulton Debate Room (Gasson 305). The Prize Debate will feature a debate on the topic, “Resolved: That Congress should repeal the Federal Uniform Drinking Age Act.”
Four members of the Fulton Debating Society will participate in the debate: Gabriel Stacy '12, Matthew Maerowitz '10, Brendan Benedict '12, and Sean O’Hara '09.
The best speaker of the debate will be awarded a gold Fulton Medal, and have their name painted high above the wall of the Fulton Debating Room, where the names of previous winners dating back to 1890 appear. The second place speaker will receive the sterling silver Gargan medal.
Another tradition of the Fulton Prize Debate is to recognize a Fultonian of the Year. This award is presented to a member of the Boston College community who has provided service to the Boston College community and supported the ideals of the society. The Society is proud to announce that John L. Mahoney, Jr., Director of Admissions, will be recognized as the 2009 Fultonian of the year.
Judging this year’s debate will be Mr. Howard Singer, Associate Director of Admissions, Dr. Charles E. Morris, III., a Fulton alum and Associate Professor of Communication, and Dr. John Mahoney, Sr., Rattigan Professor of English Emeritus and Fulton Debate Director from 1955 to 1960.
The debate should last approximately one hour. Following the debate, there will be a brief question and answer session, where audience members will have an opportunity to ask questions.
FULTON DEBATE REACHES QUARTERFINALS AT ADA NATIONALS (3.16.09)
Boston College reached the quarter finals in the novice division of the American Debate Association national championship tournament hosted by Appalachian State in Boone, North Caroline during March 12-15, 2009.
Schools competing in the novice division included Appalachian State University, Capital University, Clarion University, George Mason University, John Carroll University, Liberty University, the United States Naval Academy, the University of South Florida, the University of Mary Washington, Vanderbilt University, Wayne State University, West Virginia University, and Wilkes University.
Competing for Boston College in the novice division were two teams: Ryan Folio '12 and Ken Aruda '10, and Brendan Benedict '12 and Chris Fegan '12.
In the octo-finals, Folio and Aruda debating on the negative defeated Capital University in a unanimous decision, and Benedict and Fegan debating on the negative defeated George Mason in a unanimous decision.
In the quarter finals, Folio and Aruda debating on the affirmative side lost to Liberty in a unanimous decision and Benedict and Fegan debating on the negative side also lost to Liberty in a unanimous decision.
In a very strong novice division, Brendan Benedict was named the 5th best speaker and Ryan Folio received 8th place speaker honors.
FULTON DEBATE QUALIFIES FOR THE NATIONAL DEBATE TOURNAMENT (3.4.09)
Matthew Maerowitz '10 and Gabe Stacy '12 became the thirty-eighth team from Boston College to qualify for the National Debate Tournament (NDT).
The NDT is the oldest and most prestigious of the national tournaments. Participation in the tournament is limited to the top seventy-eight debate teams in the United States. The tournament was first held in 1947 and was hosted by the United States Military Academy for its first twenty years. In 1967, the NDT began a rotation system whereby a different region and school host the tournament every year. Boston College hosted the tournament in 1976. This year, the University of Texas at Austin will host the NDT during March 27-30, 2009.
Maerowitz and Stacy qualified for the NDT by finishing among the top seven teams at the District 8 (Northeast) qualifying tournament which was held at Baruch College during February 28-March 1. Schools competing at the district tournament included Binghamton University, City University of New York, Cornell University, Columbia University, Dartmouth College, Harvard University, Marist University, The New School, the United States Military Academy, the University of Rochester, and the University of Vermont.
Maerowitz and Stacy finished in fifth place, defeating teams from the City University of New York (twice), Marist University, and splitting ballots with Binghamton University. Maerowitz and Stacy lost debates to Harvard University and Dartmouth College. In addition to Boston College, District 8 will be represented at the NDT by Harvard University, Dartmouth College, Cornell University, Binghamton University, and the University of Rochester.
FULTON DEBATE REACHES SEMI-FINALS IN NOVICE AND JUNIOR VARSITY AT DISTRICT EIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP (3.4.09)
Boston College reached the semi-finals in the Novice and Junior Varsity divisions of the North East regional championship tournament hosted by Baruch College during February 28-March 1, 2009.
In the Junior Varsity division, Grant Gendron '10 and Kelsey Muraoka '10 compiled a 4-2 record during the preliminary debates defeating teams from New York University, Towson University, Binghamton University, and the United States Military Academy. In the quarter-finals, Gendron and Muraoka debating on the affirmative defeated Towson in a 3-0 decision. In the semi-finals, Gendron and Muraoka lost on a 3-0 decision to The New School.
In the novice division, Boston College competed two teams who reached the elimination rounds. Ryan Folio '12 and Ken Aruda '10 were 4-1 during the preliminary rounds, defeating teams from the University of Rochester (twice), Western Connecticut State University, and Dartmouth College. Folio and Aruda received a bye to the octa-final round where they defeated Western Connecticut in a 3-0 decision. In the quarter-finals, Folio and Aruda debating on the negative defeated West Point in a unanimous decision. In the semi-finals, Folio and Aruda were defeated on a split decision by Binghamton.
Brendan Benedict '12 and Chris Fegan '12 were also 4-1 during the preliminary rounds defeating teams from Western Connecticut State University, the United States Military Academy, West Virginia University, and the University of Vermont. Benedict and Fegan received a bye to the octa-final round where they defeated West Point in a split decision. In the quarter-finals, Benedict and Fegan lost in a split decision to Binghamton.
In a very strong novice division comprised of forty-two teams, Brendan Benedict was named the 5th best speaker and Ryan Folio received 9th place speaker honors.
Novice and Junior Varsity debaters will conclude their season by competing at the American Debate Association’s Championship Tournament, which will be held during March 13-15 at Appalachian State in Boone, North Carolina.
FULTON DEBATE WINS CORNELL TOURNAMENT (2.17.09)
Boston College won the Junior Varsity and the Rookie divisions at the Cornell University Tournament held in Ithaca, New York, during February 14-15, 2009. A partial list of schools competing at the tournament included Binghamton University, Case Western Reserve, Cornell University, John Carroll University, Marist University, New York University, the United States Military Academy, the University of Rochester, and the University of Vermont.
Brenden Benedict '12 and Sean O’Hara '09 won the Junior Varsity division by defeating Binghamton University on a unanimous decision. In the championship debate, Boston College was locked negative against Binghamton, because the two teams met during the preliminary rounds. In the re-match, Boston College out-manuevered the more experienced Binghamton team by advocating a counterplan in which the EPA waived the requirements for mandating the use of biofuels. The affirmative plan required Congress to repeal the mandate.
During the elimination rounds, Benedict and O’Hara won all of their rounds debating on the negative side. In the octa-finals, Benedict and O’Hara decisively defeated the United States Military Academy; in the quarter-finals, BC upset the top seeded and undefeated Binghamton University team; and in the semi-finals, BC defeated another team from the United States Military Academy.
Cal Greene '12 and Jamie Zhang '12, debating at their first tournament, won the "rookie" division, defeating Binghamton University in the final round on a unanimous decision. Cal Greene was named the top rookie speaker and Jamie Zhang received 4th place speaker honors.
Gabe Stacy '12 and Matthew Maerowitz '10, debating in the varsity division, reached the final round. During the preliminary rounds, Stacy & Maerowitz won five of six debates, defeating teams from Clarion University, Marist University, the University of Rochester, the United States Military Academy, and Binghamton University. In the quarter-finals, Stacy and Maerowitz defeated Binghamton in a unanimous decision and in the semi-finals, Stacy and Maerowitz defeated City University of New York in a split decision. In the championship debate, Stacy and Maerowitz were defeated by a team from Marist University.
FULTON DEBATE WINS UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS TOURNAMENT (2.2.09)
Boston College won the junior varsity division of the University of Massachusetts Debate Tournament held in Amherst, Massachusetts, during January 31-February 1, 2009. A partial list of schools competing at the tournament included Cornell University, Dartmouth College, Marist University, New York University, the United States Military Academy, the University of Rochester, the University of Vermont, and West Virginia University.
Three Boston college teams dominated the Junior Varsity field by compiling a 15-3 record during the preliminary debates. Ryan Folio '12 and Ken Aruda '10 were the top seeded team with a 6-0 record, Daniel Berkowitz '11 & Sean O'Hara '09 were the second seeded team with a 5-1 record, and Brendan Benedict '12 and Chris Fegan '12 were the 5th seeded team with a 4-2 record.
In the quarter-finals, Folio and Aruda received a bye into the semi-finals. Berkowitz and O'Hara debating on the negative defeated New York University in a unanimous decision, while Benedict and Fegan debating on the affirmative lost to the United States Military Academy.
In the semi-finals, Boston College teams squared off against two teams from the United States Military Academy. Folio and Aruda lost the coin flip and West Point chose the affirmative side and ran a new affirmative plan to repeal wheat subsidies. Berkowitz and O'Hara were locked negative against the other West Point team who ran their old affirmative plan to repeal rice subsidies. Boston College won both debates on unanimous decisions, avoiding the need to hold a final round. This allowed the Fultonians to return to the Heights in time to the Super Bowl.
Matthew Maerowitz '10 and Gabe Stacy '12, debating in the varsity division, also qualified to compete in the elimination rounds. Maerowitz and Stacy debating on the affirmative were defeated in the quarter finals by the University of Rochester Rochester on a narrow 2-1 decision.
Boston College debaters receiving individual speaker recognition included Brendan Benedict (3rd junior varsity speaker), Ryan Folio (7th place junior varsity speaker), Matthew Maerowitz (4th varsity speaker), and Gabe Stacy (6th varsity speaker).
FALL 2008
FULTON DEBATE WINS JOHN CARROLL TOURNAMENT (12.9.08)
Boston College won the novice division of the John Carroll University Debate Tournament held in University Heights, Ohio, during December 5-7, 2008. A partial list of schools competing at the tournament included Capital University, Case Western Reserve, Miami University (Ohio), the University of Michigan, and Wayne State University.
Competing in the novice division, Brendan Benedict '12 and Chris Fegan '12 compiled a 4-2 record during the preliminary debates by defeating teams from Wayne State, Capital, and Clarion (twice). Benedict and Fegan received a bye during the quarter-finals. In the semi-finals, Benedict & Fegan debating on the affirmative defeated Clarion on a split decision. In the final round, Benedict & Fegan debating on the negative defeated a different Clarion team on a unanimous decision.
Ryan Folio '12 and Ken Aruda '10 also had a successful tournament debating in the novice division. Folio and Aruda were the top seeded novice team, achieving a perfect 6-0 record during the preliminary debates. Folio and Aruda were upset in the semi-finals by Clarion in a 2-1 decision.
Competing in junior varsity, the team of Daniel Berkowitz '11 and Grant Gendron '11 reached the semi-finals where there were defeated by Miami.
In addition to earning team honors, five Boston College debaters won individual speaker awards. In the novice division, Ryan Folio was named the 2nd best speaker, Ken Aruda was named the 5th best speaker, and Brendan Benedict was named the 8th best speaker honors. In the junior varsity division, Daniel Berkowitz was named the 4th best speaker and Grant Gendron was named the 5th best speaker.
John Carroll is the third consecutive tournament won by Fulton Debate (Western Connecticut & Binghamton being the other two), and it concludes our fall tournament travel. Fulton Debate will begin its spring travel by competing at the United States Naval Academy Tournament during January 23-25, 2008.
FULTON DEBATE WINS BINGHAMTON TOURNAMENT (11.24.08)
Boston College won the novice division of the Binghamton University Tournament held in Vestal, New York, during November 22-23, 2008. A partial list of schools competing at the tournament included Cornell University, Dartmouth College, New York University, the United States Military Academy, the University of Massachusetts, the University of Rochester, the University of Vermont, and West Virginia University.
Competing in the novice division, Ryan Folio '12 and Ken Aruda '10 compiled a 4-1 record during the preliminary debates, defeating teams from Western Connecticut State University, the University of Massachusetts, the University of Vermont, and the University of Rochester.
During the elimination rounds, Folio & Aruda defeated Massachusetts in the octa-finals on a 3-0 decision. In the quarter-finals, the Fultonians defeated Vermont on a split 2-1 decision. Unfortunately, Folio and Aruda met the other BC novice team of Brenden Benedict '12 and Chris Fegan '12 in the semi-finals. Benedict and Fegan reached the semi-finals by defeating Monmouth University in the octa-finals and by defeating the top seeded team from the United States Military Academy in the quarter-finals. Folio and Aruda advanced to the finals because they were the higher seeded team based on speaker points. Benedict and Fegan were also 4-1 during the preliminary debates.
In the championship debate, Folio and Aruda were locked affirmative against Western Connecticut, a team they had defeated on the negative side during the preliminary debates. As in the preliminary rounds, the Fultonians advocated a plan calling for the repeal of all of the United States' cotton subsidies. On a 2-1 decision, the judges awarded first place honors to Boston College.
Sean O’Hara '09 & Gabe Stacy '12, debating in the varsity division, reached the octa-finals before losing to Cornell University.
Boston College debaters receiving individual speaker recognition included Ryan Folio (2nd place novice speaker), Gabe Stacy (11th varsity speaker), and Ken Aruda (18th novice speaker).
Fulton Debate will conclude its fall semester by debating at the John Carroll University Tournament over the weekend of December 5-7.
DECRIMINALIZING MARIJUANA? A PUBLIC DEBATE OVER WHETHER MASSACHUSETTS SHOULD IMPLEMENT PROPOSITION 2 (11.10.08)
On Tuesday, November 18th, the Fulton Debating Society will hold a public debate over whether the Massachusetts legislature should implement the ballot initiative, Proposition 2, which calls for decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of marijuana. The debate will be held at 7:00 pm in McGuinn Hall, 121.
Debating on the affirmative side arguing against the decriminalization of marijuana will be Kevin Walton '10 and Ryan Malone '10; debating on the negative in favor of decriminalization will be Michael Stork '10 and Kevin Coughlin '09.
After the constructive speeches, the audience members will be given a five minute block of time to direct questions to the debaters.
The debate will last approximately 1 hour and is open to the public.
FULTON DEBATE WINS HAT CITY DEBATES AT WESTERN CONNECTICUT;
FOLIO NAMED TOP SPEAKER (10.28.08)
Boston College won the junior varsity division of the Hat City Debate Tournament held at Western Connecticut State University in Danbury, Connecticut, during October 25-26, 2008. The tournament is named the Hat City Debates because Danbury, during the late 19th century, was the world’s largest manufacturers of hats, making over 5 million per year.
A partial list of schools competing at the tournament includes Cornell University, Dartmouth College, Harvard University, New York University, the University of Rochester, the University of Vermont, the United States Military Academy, and West Virginia University.
Competing in the junior varsity division, Sean O’Hara '09 and Gabe Stacy '12 compiled a 5-1 record, defeating teams from West Virginia (twice), Cornell University, Marist University, and the University of Rochester. O’Hara and Stacy’s only loss was to Clarion University. During the elimination rounds, Boston College defeated Cornell in the quarter-finals, and Army in the semi-finals. In the final round, Boston College debating on the affirmative side, defeated Clarion University on a 3-0 decision.
Daniel Berkowitz '11 and Kelsey Muraoka '11, also competing in junior varsity, reached the semi-finals. Berkowitz & Muraoka defeated the University of Rochester in the quarter-finals. They were defeated in the semi-finals by Clarion University.
Two Boston College novice teams also turned in very strong performances by going 6-0 during the preliminary rounds and earning the top two seeds. Ryan Folio '12 and Ken Aruda '10 were the top seeded team in the novice division. During the elimination rounds, Folio & Aruda defeated the University of Rochester in the octo-finals, and then lost in a split decision to Cornell in the quarter-finals. Brendan Benedict '12 and Chris Fegan '12 reached the semi-finals in novice, where they lost on a 3-0 decision to West Point. Benedict & Fegan defeated the City University of New York in the octo-finals and the University of Vermont in the quarterfinals.
Five Boston College debaters won individual speaker awards. In the novice division, Ryan Folio earned top speaker honors in a very strong field of thirty-two novice teams. In the junior varsity division, Gabe Stacy won second place honors, Daniel Berkowitz won third place, Sean O’Hara won fifth place, and Kelsey Muraoka won sixth place.
MCCAIN OR OBAMA? PUBLIC DEBATE OVER WHO SHOULD BE ELECTED PRESIDENT (10.20.08)
On Tuesday, October 28th, the Fulton Debating Society will sponsor a public debate over whether Senator Barak Obama or Senator John McCain should be elected the next President of the United States. The debate will be held at 7:00 p.m. in McGuinn Hall 121.
Four members of the Fulton Debating Society will participate in the debate. Debating on the affirmative side arguing in favor of electing Senator Obama will be Ryan Malone '10 and Michael Stork '10. Debating on the negative side arguing in favor of electing Senator McCain will be Kevin Walton '10 and Kevin Coughlin '09.
The winner of the debate will be chosen by a show of hands by the audience.
The debate will last approximately one hour and is open to the public. For additional information, please contact John Katsulas, Director of Debate, at x4298
SPRING 2008
A TRIBUTE TO JAMES J. UNGER, A '64 ALUM AND FULTONIAN (4.30.08)
James J. Unger, a distinguished Fultonian and successful debate coach at Georgetown University, died on April 3 at his home in Washington, D.C. Unger and his partner, Joseph McLaughlin '65, reached the semifinals of the National Debate Tournament in 1963 and they reached the final round in 1964. The Boston College duo finished second, losing a narrow 4-3 decision to a team representing the University of the Pacific.
Unger went on to earn a law degree from Harvard University in 1967, but he quickly returned to academic debate. In 1968 he became Director of Forensics at Georgetown University and his team won the National Debate Tournament in 1977. From 1985 until his retirement in 1996, Unger served as Director of Debate at American University.
A web site celebrating his many achievements is available at www.jimunger.org.
FULTON DEBATE FINISHES 25th IN FINAL 2008 DEBATE STANDINGS (4.22.08)
The Fulton Debating Society finished in twenty-fifth place in the final rankings released by the National Debate Tournament (NDT) and the Cross-Examination Debate Association (CEDA). More than two hundred colleges and universities fielded policy debate teams during the 2007-2008 season. Below are the final rankings of the top thirty debate teams according to the NDT rankings:
1. Binghamton University
2. Liberty University
3. University of Kansas
4. Emory University
5. Kansas State University
6. University of Oklahoma
7. Harvard University
8. University of Mary Washington
9. United States Military Academy
10. Wake Forest University
11. Dartmouth College
12. Northwestern University
13. University of California, Berkeley
14. Michigan State University
15. Cornell University
16. Wichita State University
17. Missouri State University
18. University of Southern California
19. Gonzaga University
20. Vanderbilt University
21. James Madison University
22. University of Texas
23. University of Minnesota
24. University of Wyoming
25. BOSTON COLLEGE
26. Whitman College
27. University of Texas, Dallas
28. Wayne State University
29. Baylor University
30. San Francisco State University
MAEROWITZ WINS FULTON PRIZE DEBATE;
VIECHNICKI NAMED FULTONIAN OF THE YEAR! (4.17.08)Matthew Maerowitz '10, an economics major from Phoenix, Arizona, won the 116th Annual Fulton Prize Debate held on April 15th in Gasson 305 before a standing-room only crowd. The topic for the debate was, "Resolved: That Senator John McCain should be elected President of the United States." The judges for the debate were Dr. Charles Morris, Dr. Lisa Cuklanz and Dr. Joseph Burns.
Debating on the affirmative side with Maerowitz was Michael Stork '10, a history major from Iowa. Debating on the negative side was Kevin Walton '10, a history major from Illinois, and Ryan Malone '10, a political science major from Minnesota.
The affirmative side took the position that a McCain presidency would benefit the United States economy by reducing government spending, lowering taxes, and promoting free trade. The negative refuted these points by saying that McCain’s support for staying in Iraq indefinitely and opposing the repeal of the Bush tax cuts would lead to financial ruin. Instead of McCain, the negative argued that Barak Obama should be elected president to oversee a gradual withdrawal of US troops from Iraq.
In a split decision, the judges awarded the debate to the negative side and named Matthew Maerowitz as the top speaker and Ryan Malone as the second best speaker. As the top speaker of the debate, Maerowitz received the gold Fulton Medal, and will have his name painted on the front wall of Gasson 305. As the second place speaker, Malone received the silver Gargan Medal.
Barbara Viechnicki, the Associate Dean for Finance and Administration was honored as the Fultonian of the Year. Dale Herbeck praised Viechnicki for her charming personality, excellence in the classroom, and for over a decade of devoted service to Boston College.
Two other debate awards were presented after the Prize Debate. The Kevin Duffy Award for Excellence in Debate was given to Matthew Maerowitz, and the Joseph Quinn award for outstanding first year debater was given to Kevin Walton and Michael Stork.
FULTON PRIZE DEBATE TO BE HELD ON APRIL 15 (3.30.08)
The Fulton Debating Society will hold the 116th Annual Fulton Prize Debate on Tuesday, April 15th at 7:00 p.m. in the historic Fulton Debating Room (Gasson 305). The Prize Debate will feature a debate on the topic, "Resolved: That Senator John McCain should be elected U.S. President."
Four members of the Fulton Debating Society will participate in the debate: Michael Stork '10, Matthew Maerowitz '10, Kevin Walton '10, and Ryan Malone '10.
The best speaker of the debate will be awarded the gold plated Fulton Medal, and have their name painted high above the wall of the Fulton Debating Room, where the names of previous winners dating back to 1890 appear. The second place speaker will receive the sterling silver Gargan medal.
Another tradition of the Fulton Prize Debate is to honor the winner of the Fultonian of the Year Award. This award is presented to a member of the Boston College community who has supported the ideals of the society. We are proud to announce that Barbara Viechnicki, Associate Dean, College of Arts and Sciences, will be recognized as this year's Fultonian of the year.
The debate should last approximately one hour. Following the debate, there will be a brief question and answer session, where audience members will have an opportunity to ask questions.
FULTON DEBATE REACHES OCTAFINALS AT ADA NATIONALS (3.26.08)
Two Boston College novice teams reached the octa-finals at the 23rd American Debate Association National Championship tournament held at James Madison University during 14-16 March 2008.
A partial list of schools competing at ADA nationals included Emory University, Harvard University, John Carroll University, Miami University (Ohio), the University of Georgia, the University of Richmond, Trinity University, Vanderbilt University, and Wake Forest University.
Competing for Boston College in the novice division were Michael Stork '11 and Kevin Walton '11 along with Kelsey Muraoka '11 and Claire Ruffing '11. During the preliminary debates, Stork and Walton compiled a 4-2 record defeating teams from the University of Mary Washington, Binghamton University, and Liberty University. They received a bye in round two for their other win. Muraoka and Ruffing were also 4-2, defeating teams from John Carroll University, Wake Forest University, Emory University, and Clarion University.
In the octa-finals, both Boston College teams were locked negative against Liberty and both lost in unanimous decisions.
Binghamton University won the novice division by defeating the University of Mary Washington. The only team who defeated Binghamton was Stork and Walton who gave them their only loss during the preliminary debates.
FULTON DEBATE WINS UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI TOURNAMENT (2.4.08)
Boston College won the novice division at the University of Miami Tournament held during 1-3 February 2008 in Coral Gables, Florida. A partial list of schools competing at the tournament included Florida State University, George Mason University, James Madison University, the University of Florida, the University of Miami, the University of Georgia, and Vanderbilt University.
Competing for Boston College in the novice division were Michael Stork '10 and Kevin Walton '10. During the preliminary round debates, Stork and Walton compiled a 5-1 record by defeating George Mason, the University of Florida (twice) and Vanderbilt (twice). Stork and Walton were the second seeded team entering the elimination rounds.
In the semi-finals, Stork and Walton were locked negative against a Vanderbilt team who had defeated them during the preliminary rounds. This time, debating on the affirmative, Stork and Walton defeated Vanderbilt in a unanimous decision. This set up a final round against another Vanderbilt team comprised of identical twin brothers. Locked negative against the twins, Stork and Walton defeated Vanderbilt in a 3-0 decision to win their second consecutive tournament. Two weeks ago, Stork and Walton won the George Mason Tournament.
Boston College debaters also earned individual speaker awards. Kevin Walton won fifth place speaker honors while Michael Stork was named the third best speaker.
Boston College next travels teams to Binghamton University during 22-24 February 2008 for the District 8 qualifying tournament for the National Debate Tournament and the CEDA East Regional Championship Tournament.
FULTON DEBATE REACHES SEMI-FINALS AT NAVY (1.29.08)
Boston College reached the semi-finals in the novice division at the 50th annual Warken Memorial Tournament held at the United States Naval Academy during 25-27 January 2008. A partial list of schools competing at Navy included Harvard University, New York University, The University of Georgia, The University of Iowa, Vanderbilt University, Wake Forest University, and the United States Military Academy.
Competing for Boston College in the novice division were two teams: Grant Gendron '11 and Daniel Berkowitz '11 along with Kelsey Muraoka '11 and Claire Ruffing '11. During the preliminary debates, Gendron and Berkowitz compiled a 4-2 record defeating teams from George Mason (twice), Mary Washington, and James Madison. Muraoka and Ruffing were also 4-2, defeating teams from The University of Miami (Florida), Vanderbilt, and Liberty(twice).
In the octa-finals, Gendron & Berkowitz faced off against Liberty. Debating on the negative, Gendron and Berkowitz prevailed in a unanimous decision. As the fourth seeded team, Muraoka & Ruffing received a bye into the quarter-finals.
In the quarter-finals, Gendron and Berkowitz clashed with another Liberty team. This time, debating on the affirmative, BC defeated Liberty in a 2-1 decision with Colonel Meese from West Point as the dissenting judge. Muraoka and Ruffing met West Point in the quarter-finals where they were defeated in a split decision.
In the semi-finals, Gendron and Berkowitz debating on the negative lost in a split decision to Mary Washington. This is the same Mary Washington team that Boston College defeated in the final round of George Mason tournament last week.
Fulton Debate next travels to the University of Miami, Florida.
FULTON DEBATE WINS GEORGE MASON TOURNAMENT; WALTON NAMED TOP SPEAKER (1.22.08)
Boston College won the novice division at the Patriot Debate Tournament hosted by George Mason University during 18-20 January 2008. A partial list of schools competing at George Mason included the United States Naval Academy, James Madison, John Carroll, the University of Richmond, and the University of Mary Washington.
Competing for Boston College in the novice division were Michael Stork '10 and Kevin Walton '10. During the preliminary debates, Stork and Walton compiled a 5-1 record defeating three teams Mary Washington, John Carroll and King's College. Stork and Walton were the second seeded team entering the elimination rounds.
In the semi-finals, Stork and Walton, debating on the negative defeated Liberty in a unanimous decision, setting up a final round against the top seeded team from Mary Washington, who had defeated BC during the preliminary rounds. In the final round, the teams switched sides and Boston College prevailed on a 2-1 decision.
Boston College debaters also received speaker awards. Kevin Walton was named the top speaker in novice, and Michael Stork was named the fourth best speaker in novice. Matthew Maerowitz '10 received fifth place speaker honors in the varsity division.
Boston College next travels teams to the United States Naval Academy Tournament during 25-27 January 28, 2008.
FALL 2007
NOVICE TEAM EARNS TOP SEED AT JOHN CARROLL; UPSET IN QUARTERINALS (12.4.07)
For the second consecutive tournament, Michael Stork '10 and Kevin Walton '10 compiled a 6-0 record during the preliminary rounds at the John Carroll University Tournament held in University Heights during 30 November to 2 December 2007.
During the preliminary round of debates, Stork and Walton defeated teams from Notre Dame, the University of Illinois, Clarion University, and three teams from Liberty University.
As the top seeded team, Boston College received a bye during the partial-octa final round. In the quarter finals, Stork and Walton debating on the affirmative were upset in a split decision by Kansas State.
During the fall semester, Stork and Walton were one of the most dominant novice teams in the United States, winning 83% of their preliminary rounds (20 wins, 4 losses) and compiling an overall record of 32 wins and 7 losses.
VARSITY TEAM REACHES QUARTER FINALS AT CLARION (11.1.07)
Matt Maerowitz '10 and Ryan Malone '10 reached the quarter finals in the varsity division held at Clarion University in Clarion, Pennsylvania during 26-28 October 2007.
During the preliminary rounds, Maerowitz and Malone compiled a 4-2 record, defeating teams from Wayne State, James Madison, Rochester, and Pittsburgh, while losing to teams from Wayne State and Liberty.
In the quarter finals, Boston College won the flip and chose to debate on the negative side against the University of Mary Washington. On a close 2-1 decision, Boston College lost.
Ryan Malone was names the 11th best speaker and Matt Maerowitz was named the 16th best speaker.
FULTON DEBATE REACHES FINAL ROUND AT ROCHESTER (11.26.07)
Boston College reached the final round in the novice division at the University of Rochester Tournament held during 17-18 November 2007.
Three Boston College novice teams dominated the competition by compiling a 15-3 record during the preliminary rounds, including a 6-0 record from Michael Stork '10 and Kevin Walton '10, a 5-1 record from Grant Gendron '11 and Daniel Berkowitz '11, and a 4-2 record from Kelsey Muraoka '11 and Claire Ruffing '11.
In the octa final round, all three Boston College teams advanced to the quarter finals with Stork and Walton defeating the University of Vermont, Gendron and Berkowitz defeating Bard, and Muraoka and Ruffing defeating Clarion University.
In the quarter finals, Stork and Walton advanced into the semi-finals over Muraoka and Ruffing because they were the higher seeded team. Gendron and Berkowitz debating on the affirmative lost in a 2-1 decision to West Point.
Stork and Walton won the coin flip in the semi-finals and chose to debate on the negative side against West Point. In a 2-1 decision, Boston College defeated Army, setting up a final round against another Army team, who BC had beaten in the preliminary rounds when debating on the negative side.
In the final round, Stork & Walton debating on the affirmative lost in a questionable 2-1 decision to Army before a panel of three Rochester judges, where the most experienced judge voted for BC.
Debating in her hometown of Rochester, Claire Ruffing was named the ninth best speaker at the tournament. Fulton Debate concludes its fall season next week by competing at the John Carroll Tournament.
FULTON DEBATE WINS LIBERTY TOURNAMENT; STORK NAMED TOP SPEAKER (11.6.07)
Boston College won the novice division at the Liberty University Debate Tournament held during 2-4 November 2007 in Lynchburg, Virginia.
This year's college debate topic is, "Resolved: That the United States Federal Government should increase its constructive engagement with the government of one or more of: Afghanistan, Iran, Lebanon, the Palestinian Authority, and Syria, and it should include offering them a security guarantee and/or a substantial increase in foreign assistance." When debating on the affirmative side, Boston College teams advocate a plan to promote constructive engagement with Iran.
Debating for Boston College at Liberty were Michael Stork '10 and Kevin Walton '10 and Kelsey Muraoka '11 and Claire Ruffing '11. During the preliminary rounds, Stork and Walton defeated teams from Emory, Augustana College of Illinois, and Miami of Ohio, while Muraoka and Ruffing defeated 3 teams from Trinity and James Madison University.
In the octa-finals, Stork and Walton debating on the negative defeated George Mason in a 3-0 decision, while Muraoka & Ruffing lost in the octa-finals to Emory. In the quarter-finals, Stork and Walton debating on the affirmative defeated James Madison in a 3-0 decision, setting up a re-match against Clarion who defeated them during the preliminary rounds. This time, Boston College debating on the affirmative defeated Clarion in a split decision, which set up a final round against Mary Washington University. In the final round, Boston College was locked negative and defeated Mary Washington in a 3-0 decision.
Along with winning the tournament, Stork and Walton received individual speaker awards, with Michael Stork being named the first place speaker and Kevin Walton was named the fourth best speaker.
THE BRITISH DEBATE TEAM IS COMING TO BOSTON COLLEGE (9.11.07)
On Tuesday, October 2, 2007, the Fulton Debating Society of Boston College will be hosting and competing against the international debate team from Great Britain. The topic for the debate is, "This House believes that an invasion of Iran would cause more problems than it would solve." The debate will be held in Gasson 100 beginning at 6:00 pm and lasting for approximately one hour and fifteen minutes. Anyone interested is invited to attend.
Competing for the British are two outstanding debaters, Alex Just and Alistair Cormack, who were competitively selected to represent the international debate team on its tour of the United States.
Alex Just is a former President of the Oxford Union and is a senior at the University of Oxford studying history and politics. Alex is an accomplished debater, having reached the Grand Finals at the World Schools" Championships in Singapore and at the World Universities" Championships in Malaysia. Most recently, Alex coached the Scottish national debating team who won the 2007 World Championships in South Korea.
Alistair Cormack has just graduated from the University of Durham with an honors degree in History and Politics. While attending school, he was the president of the Durham Union Society and represented Durham at both the European and World Debating Championships. Alistair enjoyed a very successful debating career, becoming a finalist at the English National Championships and being ranked as one of the top ten European speakers of 2006.
Competing for Boston College against the British will be Matthew Maerowitz '10 and Ryan Malone '10. Last year, Maerowitz and Malone won tournaments hosted by John Carroll and Binghamton, as well as reaching the elimination rounds at every tournament in which they competed.