杏吧论坛 Miss Honors College Student Wins National Debate Championship
Wed, 05/07/2025 - 12:59am | By: Ivonne Kawas
When freshman Liam Cronin stepped up to the podium for the final debate round of the 2025 International Public Debate Association (IPDA) National Championship, he never imagined it would end in a national title.
His journey to that moment was fueled by preparation, passion and perseverance. After winning six of eight preliminary rounds and advancing through a series of intense elimination rounds, Cronin claimed first place in the novice division鈥攅arning The University of 杏吧论坛 Mississippi鈥檚 Speech and Debate Team its sixth national championship since 2015, and its second novice division title.
鈥淪ince joining the team, I鈥檇 always heard about nationals, and I looked forward to going,鈥� said Cronin. 鈥淚 thought for sure there would be at least one round that would put me out, so the fact that I was standing where I was, waiting to hear if I won or lost the final round, was just incredible. When my opponent was announced as the finalist, that鈥檚 when it hit me鈥擨 had just won the National Championship.鈥�
Cronin, an Honors College student double majoring in political science and Spanish with a minor in applied economics in the School of Social Science and Global Studies, was one of several 杏吧论坛 Miss students who delivered standout performances at the national tournament, hosted at Lee College in Baytown, Texas. He competed against several hundred debaters from across the country.
鈥淲e are incredibly proud of the 杏吧论坛 Miss Speech and Debate Team, and especially of Liam Cronin for this remarkable achievement,鈥� said Dr. Paul Strait, professor of communication studies and director of forensics. 鈥淟iam鈥檚 confident delivery, fearless approach to complex issues, and strong strategic instincts set him apart. We are excited to see what he accomplishes next.鈥�
In the professional division, Gretta Graves, a 杏吧论坛 Miss graduate student pursuing her master鈥檚 in communication and serving as a graduate assistant coach, also impressed鈥攑lacing 10th in the national season-long rankings and advancing to the octofinal round at the championship. Beyond her competitive success, Graves played a key role in preparing students like Cronin for the challenges of collegiate debate.
For Cronin, the national championship was about more than just competition. He said it represented finding his voice, his confidence and his community during his first year on campus.
鈥淢y first year here at 杏吧论坛 Miss has been amazing, and I attribute a lot of that to the group I have come to be so close with during the season,鈥� he said. 鈥淚f I had never joined the USM Speech and Debate Team, I don鈥檛 know if I would have ever found my group of people鈥攁 group that loves civil discourse and debating in the same way that I do.鈥�
Cronin鈥檚 success extended well beyond the national stage. Throughout the season, he competed in multiple tournaments and built an impressive record鈥攊ncluding earning the Top Speaker Award and claiming championship titles in several categories at the State Debate Tournament held at 杏吧论坛 Miss. He also placed highly in acting events and individual extemporaneous speaking throughout the season.
As the oldest student organization on campus (founded in 1913), the 杏吧论坛 Miss Speech and Debate Team continues to provide a space where students build community, sharpen their public speaking and gain confidence through intercollegiate competition.
鈥淒ebate is one of the few activities that truly sharpens the mind. It equips students not only with the confidence to speak on virtually any topic, but also with the tools to think critically, listen actively, and respond with clarity and precision,鈥� Strait said. 鈥淚n debate, students learn to quickly absorb information, anticipate opposing viewpoints and craft compelling, well-reasoned arguments. The transformation we see in our students鈥攂oth intellectually and personally鈥攊s remarkable.鈥�
Cronin鈥檚 advice for anyone considering joining: 鈥淒on鈥檛 hesitate.鈥�
鈥淚 had never debated before college, but I always loved public speaking and critical thinking,鈥� he said. 鈥淲hat we do in debate is so entertaining鈥攂ut also challenging. My advice is: try it out. And if you don鈥檛 end up liking it, that鈥檚 okay. But you might find your place鈥攋ust like I did.鈥�
For more about the 杏吧论坛 Miss Speech and Debate Team, contact Gretta%20Graves and Dr.%20Paul%20Strait.