NIU Forensics

Hey, Huskies! We have officially reached our post-season reflection, so we wanted to share some photos from our end-of-year gathering. Team members got together for one last group bonding session, celebrated our graduates, received fun superlatives, and found out the results of our 2026-2027 Executive Board Election. Members Jack Espinos, Cooper Linden, Makeya Van, Noah Joerin, and AJ Evon, pictured in the second slide, were presented with special team awards. We would also like to extend special recognition to 2025-2026 team President, Damian Rocha, for receiving the Department of Communication’s Dorothy Bishop Award and the Award of Academic Excellence.

It has truly been a season of growth, and we could not be prouder of our team members. While we will deeply miss our members who have graduated, we remain excited - both for their upcoming accomplishments, and for the new upcoming teams and seasons ahead of us ❤️🖤

Happy Wednesday, Huskies! It’s time to introduce another member of our team. Today, meet Ian Anderson ❤️🖤

Year in school: Junior

Major: Psychology

Other activities: Dungeons & Dragons, art

Speech experience: No prior Forensics experience

Favorite event: Probably Duo - the storytelling is really fun, and I love the idea of being able to convey and say so much with just two people

Why do you participate in Forensics?: It’s a good way to get out and meet people! The activity is fun and keeps your brain active and is a great way to learn new things.

Fun fact: I like to sew, and recently made my own cosplay from scratch!

Hey, Huskies! First and foremost, congratulations to all in the Class of 2026! We are so proud of you and cannot wait to see what you accomplish next. Second, we still have a few members to introduce, events to celebrate, and things to announce, so we have a couple posts left for this season- Today, meet Jack ❤️🖤

Year in school: Junior

Major: Political Science

Other activities: Model Illinois Government

Speech experience: No prior Forensics experience

Favorite event: Persuasion and Informative are my favorite because they allow you to talk about topics you are super passionate about

Why do you participate in Forensics?: Our team has an amazing sense of community and is accepting of everyone

Fun fact: I can name every country and flag in the world!

Hey Huskies, it’s almost time for graduation, which means we want to introduce another senior member of ours who will be receiving their diploma this Saturday! Today, meet Liz Murillo ❤️🖤

Year in school: Senior

Major: Political Science, Psychology

Other activities: Pre-Law Honors Society

Speech experience: No prior speech experience

Favorite event: Parliamentary debate was interesting and a favorite of mine

Why do you participate in Forensics?: I wanted to meet new people, get out of my comfort zone, and try something new

Fun fact: I love cheesecake

Happy finals week, Huskies! Our competition season may be over, but we still have several team members we’d like to introduce. Today’s member is Ash Froehle ❤️🖤

Year in school: Senior

Major: Communications

Other activities: Treasurer for NIU’s PRISM

Speech experience: One previous year at NIU

Favorite event: Parliamentary Debate, because a second person can specialize in areas I lack.

Why do you participate in Forensics?: For the community, and to improve my overall rhetoric and charisma.

Fun fact: I spoke on the State Congressional Floor for Model Illinois Government

Hey, Huskies! We wanted to highlight some work that our team members have been doing recently. On April 18th, team members participated in Safe Passage’s Walk A Mile, an event to bring awareness to sexual assault and support local survivors. Additionally, this past Friday, members went back out to Feed My Starving Children in Aurora, to help with labeling food bags, working in the warehouse, and packing meals. The team helped pack over 107 boxes this time, which can feed 63 kids every day for a year! ❤️🖤

This past week, members of the NIU Forensics Team had the opportunity to travel to Nashville, Tennessee, to compete in the NFA National tournament. It was a long week with stiff competition from across the United States, but the Huskies proudly represented NIU in their various events, along with doing some team bonding and getting inspired while enjoying some of the best performances in the country. Special congratulations to Makeya Van, who placed into the Novice National finals for both Prose and Impromptu, taking the Top Novice title in Prose and Novice Runner-Up in Impromptu! While this may be our last tournament for the 2025-2026 year, we are so proud of our team, and cannot wait to begin work for next season ❤️🖤

Hey, Huskies! Before some of our team members head out to NFA in Tennessee, we wanted to update you on some of the cool volunteer opportunities we’ve had recently. Damian Rocha, AJ Evon, and Matt DuPuis served as volunteer judges for the DeKalb County 4-H public speaking competition, giving feedback to students. Additionally, this past Saturday, Director of Forensics Judy Santacaterina, Makeya Van, and AJ got to help out with the NIU admitted student day, facilitating activity and discussion for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at NIU ❤️🖤

Hey, Huskies! It’s a very exciting time, because from now until noon tomorrow, the Huskies United Day of Giving campaign is live! We’d like to share a bit about our program’s background and how you can help us continue. To donate, you can use this link: https://www.givecampus.com/s/oy6msb

NIU Forensics is a long‑standing student organization dedicated to excellence in competitive and non‑competitive speech activities. Founded in 1928, the program has a rich legacy of helping students develop powerful skills in argumentation, advocacy, public speaking, and performance. Over the years, NIU Forensics members have consistently earned top placements and national recognition for their work. Most recently, the team defended their title as the top debate program at the 2026 IIFA State Tournament and added the first national team title in program history after competing at the 2026 National Online Forensics College Championships.

Gifts to the Forensics Fund during Huskies United provide vital support for the program’s greatest needs and emerging priorities. In the coming year, contributions will help fund a dedicated graduate assistant and expand student travel opportunities—both essential to ensuring students have access to high‑quality coaching and transformative competitive experiences.

Hey Huskies, we have some very exciting news to share - At the National Online Championship tournament this past weekend, the NIU Forensics team was named National Champions, marking the first ever national title in the program’s near-100 year history! This is a wonderful accomplishment that could not have been achieved without the dedication and effort of our team members who have been hard at work this year.

We’d also like to take a moment to thank those of you who have been supporting us throughout the season! From our coaches, to our wonderful alumni who have volunteered to help with events and tournaments, to the students’ family members and other loved ones, we deeply appreciate those of you who have been following along. If you’d like to pledge additional financial support, keep an eye out for our Huskies Day of Giving post later this week. Financial support allows our team to travel for tournaments without stressing about additional out-of-pocket costs for food or overnight rooms. Donations also help us to further empower students in their education.

Additionally, over the past few weeks, team members had the opportunity to compete at the AFA District 5 Spring Qualifier tournament, as well as the “4 the Only 10 I See” Last Chance qualifier tournament for the upcoming NFA Nationals in Tennessee. Thanks to North Central College, Northwestern Forensics, and National Online Forensics for being great hosts!