Communication Department Events
The Speak-A-Rama
For more than 30 years, our department has organized two intramural speech contests called the Speak-A-Rama. With an average of 75 students competing per year, more than 2,000 students have competed for trophies, prize-money scholarships, and the chance to be named the best speaker of the competition. Students routinely tell us that competing in the tournament is an exciting and rewarding experience. Plus, it looks great on their college resumes.
Summer Bridge Speech Competition
Hosted in conjunction with the Summer Bridge Program, this activity gives students a fuller experience by allowing them to participate in an academic co-curricular activity. Featuring guest judges and prize-money scholarships, the contest uses a theme. Our first contest had the theme of “Celebrating Latinx, Latin America, and Hispanic Heritage.”
The Phillip Maynard Black History Speech Competition
The Communication Department developed this speech contest as a way to honor Philip Maynard. Phillip Maynard, a faculty member who was the cornerstone of our department, died unexpectedly in 2014. Philip Maynard served as the faculty director of the ASPIRE Program. This competition acts as a platform to combat the erasure of Black History and honor figures that are often looked over in our history books. The Philip Maynard's Black History Speech Competition takes place every February.
Speech and Sign Soapbox
Every semester we bring our SPCH students together with our deaf and SIGN students for a poetry slam, open mic night. Our ASL advanced interpreting students experience a night of active learning as they interpret for the speaking students and speak the deaf students’ sign language. This evening is so highly attended, we are left with standing room only. Events like these provide Mt. SAC students with a new understanding of their deaf peers.
British Debates
Starting in 2013, Mt. SAC has hosted the British National Debate team every other year. For the competition, two members of our forensics (speech & debate) team go up against top debaters from across the pond. Each year we tackle difficult subjects such as climate change, the role of social media in society, gun control, and the war on drugs. Our students have had the opportunity to learn from the British debaters through class visits and social events.
Communication ADT Graduation Ceremony
At the end of our spring semester, our department hosts a special ceremony for graduates majoring in Communication. The event features guest speakers and graduates are awarded a sash honoring their work in the field of communication.
