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the colleges
Money Talks
A look at the cost — and return — of running UNO’s national-caliber forensics team
“Money talks,” goes the old saying. But how much money, exactly, does it take to compete with the best collegiate speech teams in the country? “Oh, it’s expensive,” says Abbie Syrek, coach of UNO’s forensics team. “You’re looking to spend an average of $3,000 per student for the academic year.” Under Syrek, UNO has ranked among the top 10 teams in the country each of the last four years, including fifth-place finishes in 2011 and 2012. This year Mav Forensics placed sixth and set a school record for the number of students participating in quarterfinal events — all with a team that is one-half to one-third the size, and budget, of its peers. “One of the questions we always get is how much would it take? How much money would it take to grow the program, and I laugh at them and say, ‘I don’t know, winning the Powerball?’” Syrek says with a laugh. “Truth be told, to be in the bracket above where we are now we’d need more students on the team.” Unlike its peers, Mav Forensics lacks private funding that usually allows for more students to participate. Since students can compete in multiple events, more students means more chances to succeed in the tournament. But having the money to include more students isn’t just about winning — it’s about the positive impact the program makes on students — many of them the first in their families to attend college.
“That is the story of UNO forensics,” Syrek says. “If you look at the research, for a first-generation, low-income, minority student, there is an 89-percent chance that student will drop out of school in their first year. That is something we will not stand for.” And those students who do make it to commencement often go on to greater successes and contribute to their communities. Syrek cites two specific examples. One is Tunette Powell (2012), a national champion on the forensics team and the first woman in her family to attend college. Since graduating she has written a book, become a motivational speaker and writes for the Omaha World-Herald’s Momaha blog. Syrek also mentions Buey Ray Tut (2009), a South Sudanese refugee who while he was enrolled at UNO founded Aqua-Africa, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing clean drinking water for South Sudan.
One of the questions we always get is how much would it take?
“You can see the difference that it makes,” Syrek says. “They come from nothing, a lot of times, and it’s because of our amazing faculty and amazing administration that we are able to be difference makers for these students.” To supplement the money they receive from UNO, Mav Forensics holds annual fundraisers that help pay for students to attend the national tournament. A UNO Forensics Development Fund also has been established with the University of Nebraska Foundation. Syrek hopes not just to sustain, but to grow. “If we can [provide support] for another student who might otherwise fall through the cracks, shouldn’t we? “ Syrek asks. “That’s our job as educators — to pick up these students that need help and help them get there.” — By Charley Reed, University Communications