Student Showcase: National Recognition for JMU Debate Team

The JMU Debate Team received more named or merit awards than any other school in the nation this year. The team finished the 2021-2022 season ranked #4 in the nation by the Cross- Examination Debate Association (CEDA), JMU’s highest finish in its debate history.

Adonis Ortiz (’23) earned the Outstanding Newcomer Award, given to the top-rated firstyear debater nationally, and Ian Lowery (’22M) received the Matt Grindy Outstanding Graduate Student Coach Award.

The CEDA Alumnus Award was given to Chaz Wyche, the departing Assistant Director of Debate, recognizing him as one of the nation’s top innovative coaches for his work addressing political, philosophical, social, and psychological challenges facing students of color and secondlanguage learners.