Famous Debaters
John F. Kennedy
35th President of the United States
"I think debating in high school and college is most valuable training whether for politics, the law, business, or for service on community committees such as the PTA and the League of Women Voters. A good debater must not only study material in support of his own case, but he must also, of course, thoroughly analyze the expected argument of his opponent. The give and take of debating, the testing of ideas, is essential to democracy. I wish we had a good deal more debating in our educational institutions than we do now." - August 22nd, 1960
Richard S. Schweiker
Former Secretary of Health and Human Services & Pennsylvania Congressman and Senator
"Debate trained me to analyze and articulate the complex national issues that confront our country today. Too, it was a tremendous help in campaign debates for my House and Senate seats...My intercollegiate debate training was the most valuable experience that I had at Penn State. I derived benefits from it far beyond the normal extracurricular activity that it encompassed."
Arlen Specter
US Senator (R-PA)
"High school and college debate gave me the best educational experience in my academic career. It taught me research, analysis, organization and public speaking all at one time. I heartily recommend it to every high school and college student."
Paul E. Kanjorski
US Congressman (D-PA)
"It was my experience with debating and public speaking in both high school and college that led me to become a lawyer, and ultimately, a member of Congress."