In 1951, Professor Grace Walsh chartered the Wisconsin Zeta chapter of Pi Kappa Delta and established the Eau Claire Competitive Debate Team.  For 36 years she taught speech and coached forensics at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire.  She established a strong forensics program that today strives to compete at the bar set by Ms. Grace Walsh.

Grace was an amazing individual, and deeply committed to competitive speech.  She understood the value and skills to be gained from the activity, and was a key figure in the development of Forensics as we know it today.

It is in her honor that we at UW-Eau Claire host the annual Grace Walsh Individual Events Tournament.  The GWIET, one half of a swing tournament known as the 'Love Fest' (co-hosted with Ripon College's Red Hawk Invitational), is a celebration of Grace's dedication to the activity and the passion with which she led the forensics community.

Click here for the full Lovefest Invite

Click here for the Entry Form

Click here for the Grace Walsh Award Nomination Form