NEWS RELEASE

News Bureau . Schofield Hall 201 . Eau Claire, WI 54702
phone: (715) 836-4741
fax: (715) 836-2900

EAU CLAIRE — In a feat not accomplished since 1976, two University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire students made it to the final round at the Interstate Oratory Contest, the oldest speech contest in the nation, held April 22-24 in Phoenix. This year the IOC celebrated its 132nd year in existence.

Each state is allowed to send two representatives to the contest, usually the top two state winners in persuasive speaking, and for the past 11 years both representatives have been from UW-Eau Claire.

Junior Kelly M. Bender, New London, received second place and junior Andy Bevernitz, Clintonville, took fifth place. The final round was held at the Phoenix Art Museum on Saturday afternoon and was judged by a local newscaster, the mayor of Tempe, Ariz., and three past IOC champions.

“We are very proud of these two students,” director of forensics Karen Morris said. “What a wonderful way to end an exciting forensics season!”

-30-
XY/NW

Judy Berthiaume, Director
UW-Eau Claire News Bureau
Schofield 201
(715) 836-4741
newsbur@uwec.edu

Updated: April 28, 2004