Image Credit: Diana Velasquez-munoz
Former President Jimmy Carter once said, “Different people, different dreams, different hopes and different dreams--we are more than a melting pot but a beautiful mosaic.”
That sentiment was heard loud and clear on October 10 in Jull Hall, when the IAA hosted a student speech contest on diversity as part of UMD’s “Rise Above Campaign.” The IAA’s Oral Communication team received a grant from the Office of Diversity and Inclusion which calls on the campus community to rise above our biases and embrace unity and diversity.
Competing in the contest were 15 students from the INAG 110 classes taught by instructors Nina Latassa, Ed Priola, and Tony Pagnotti.
“Since we began offering oral communication courses as part of the general education curriculum last year, our team of Oral Comm instructors has been creating speaking opportunities outside the classroom,” said IAA Director Glori Hyman.
The grand prize winner of the contest was Cameroon native, Kevin Ngstchou-Tientcheu, a civil engineering major who was awarded $100 for “Diversity--A Double Edged Sword.” Opeyemi Owoeye, a resident of Prince George’s County and a politics/government major received second place and $75 for her speech on “Society’s Perception of Africa.” Rounding out the top three was Irfan Khan, a biochemistry major from Potomac, who spoke on “The Power of Workplace Diversity.” .
Following the event, Hyman commented,” The contest was fantastic. I was so impressed by the students: their content, delivery and passion. The topics were as diverse at the students themselves. We had a successful speaking contest last spring and now this one. We plan to add an impromptu event this spring in the IAA garden. We want students to see speaking as fun.”
