2022-2023 Illini Forensics Executive Board

President - Steven Frankowski

I’m a senior majoring in physics, currently doing research in plasma-facing components for nuclear fusion reactors. This is my third year of parliamentary debate, and I did congressional debate in high school for three years, making it to state finals my senior year. I believe debate is more than a game of logic and argumentation, it’s also a valuable tool to better equip us to understand argumentation and presentation of ideas in media and the world as a whole.

Speech Chair - Tess O’Connell

I am a second year grad student studying Library and Information Science. I’ve done Speech for the past nine years, mostly focusing on limited prep and interp events as a competitor. I’m excited to help the team grow as speakers and work closer with debate! My primary duty to the team as Speech chair is to lead each practice session and coach members to become the best they can be!

Debate Chair - Griffin Descant

I am a junior in Electrical and Computer Engineering with a minor in physics. This will be my third year competing in Parliamentary debate - I’ve done high school Policy, in addition to Extemp and Impromptu. I love debate and see it as an amazing opportunity to better understand argumentation while still in a fun competitive environment. My role is to sign us up for tournaments and run practices to ensure that we’re prepared to succeed.

Treasurer - Daniel Dravet

I am a sophomore majoring in education, have been doing speech for six years, and am very excited to share my treasurer skills with the team! I also enjoy playing disc golf for UIUC.

Secretary - Camille Dolce

I’m a sophomore majoring in political science and statistics. This will be my second year doing parliamentary debate, and I did congressional for two years in high school.

2021-2022 Illini Forensics Executive Board

President - Abigail Histed

I am a junior double majoring in behavioral neuroscience and gender and women’s studies. I have been involved with speech for almost 8 years, and have competed on the state and national level in high school and in college. I have experience in multiple events but my passion is for public address. I absolutely love teaching speech and helping people grow and develop in their events.

Speech Chair - M Angel

I am a junior double majoring in behavioral neuroscience and gender and women’s studies. I have been involved with speech for almost 8 years, and have competed on the state and national level in high school and in college. I have experience in multiple events but my passion is for public address. I absolutely love teaching speech and helping people grow and develop in their events.

Debate Chair - Steven Frankowski

I’m a junior majoring in physics, currently doing research in plasma-facing components for nuclear fusion reactors. This is my third year of parliamentary debate, and I did congressional debate in high school, making it to state finals my senior year. I believe debate is more than a game of logic and argumentation, it’s also a valuable tool to better equip us to understand argumentation and presentation of ideas in media and the world as a whole.

Treasurer - Tess O’Connell

I am a senior majoring in psychology with a concentration in social psych. I have been doing Parliamentary debate for 2 years now and have enjoyed competing with our members. My favorite part of the team is everyone's willingness to help those in need to better enhance their skills within the activity. My primary duty to the team as treasurer is to collect, raise and manage money for the team in a way that will allow us to be active within the community. Additionally I work to get other necessary resources such as space to hold team meetings and host tournaments.

Secretary - Maggie Hollerman

I’m a junior double-majoring in social psychology and Political Science with a minor in Communications! Although this is only my 3rd year being involved with speech, I’ve been in competitive public speaking in one form or another since joining my high school’s Model UN team sophomore year in high school. Speech gives me an outlet for self-expression, to speak on my identity, to advocate for issues that matter most to me, and to hear the stories of others in turn. And as Secretary, I hope to spread my love for forensics to the greater campus community and to foster a team atmosphere open to learning and discussing differing perspectives, narratives, and causes!