MavFORENSICS
MavFORENSICS
Who We Are & What We Do
MavFORENSICS is UNO's nationally-ranked competitive speech team. We are dedicated to expanding the co-curricular experiences and outlooks of undergraduates through public speech and performance arts.
Students in this activity spend their time developing research, critical thinking, public speaking and performance skills. They travel to colleges and universities throughout the country to compete in diverse speaking forms including informative, persuasive, after dinner, extemporaneous and impromptu; as well as performing oral interpretations of literature, including poetry, drama and prose.
We believe in giving students the opportunity to speak about the issues most important to them. Participation in forensics fosters students’ ability to consider issues critically from multiple perspectives, communicate their thoughts clearly to others, and advocate for what they think is right. These are vital skills not only for academic and personal growth but also for active civic participation.
MavForensics is one of the top teams in the country, earning a sixth-place ranking at the American Forensics Association (AFA) national tournament in April 2017. This designates us as one of the best competitive speech teams in the country. This is the third year in a row that MavForensics was the top-ranked program in the state of Nebraska at the national tournament.
This is the eighth consecutive year UNO has made it in the Top 10, which makes UNO one of the most historically successful among all collegiate forensics programs who have competed in the AFA tournament during its 40-plus-year history.
MavForensics has swept the Nebraska Intercollegiate Forensics Association tournament for three years in a row. The state of Nebraska has a reputation for competitive speech, and MavForensics is proud to feature prominently in continuing this tradition.
Our Coaches
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Abbie Syrek Lecturer, Director of Forensics ASH 105E Tel: 402.554.3952 Email: abbie.syrek@gmail.com |
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Cameron Logsdon Instructor, Assistant Director of Forensics ASH 105O Tel: 402.554.4178 cslogsdon@unomaha.edu |
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Kristina Medero Graduate Teaching Assistant kmedero@gmav.unomaha.edu |
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Abby Suprenant Graduate Teaching Assistant asurprenant@gmav.unomaha.edu |
Who Can Join?
While the forensics program is housed in the College of Communication, Fine Arts and Media's School of Communication, it serves all university students. Forensics competitors have had a range of academic majors, including biotechnology, communication studies, computer science, mathematics, political science, business and education. Regardless of major, experience, or expertise, MavFORENSICS welcomes all students to join our unique, academically-centered team!
Although team auditions are typically held the summer before the season begins, we are always looking for new members. If you'd like more information about the team or how to join, please contact any member of our coaching staff.
Support our Students
UNO Forensics Development Fund
All gifts directed toward this fund will be used to cover the expenses needed to travel, register students for competition, host tournaments at UNO, and purchase supplies. The high cost of these operational expenses limit the number of students that we can welcome to our program. With your help, we can reach more students on campus and provide them with the life-changing experiences that forensics offers.
UNO Forensics Scholarship Fund
With an ever-increasing number of students needing financial assistance, your gift to this fund will decrease the financial burden on students and allow them to spend more time on academics, extra-curricular activities and community service.
MavForensics continues winning ways
The University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Forensics team won their third straight Nebraska Intercollegiate Forensics Association Championship.
Team members are: Abbie Herbert, Dominic Hernandez, Alissa Duong, Raul Herrera, Gordon Ip, Cesar Magana Linares, Seth Nelson, Megan Ojeda, Moriah Hood, Katiana Fischer, Abbie Perry, Sarah Maul, and Ameres Groves.
The prestigious tournament featured competition from four of the nation’s Top-20 forensics programs. The MavForensics team brought home championship honors, with several students winning individual awards and five others winning state championships.
The state champions are: Cesar Magaña Linares - Impromptu Speaking, Abbie Herbert - After Dinner Speaking, T’eyrr Bynum - Prose Interpretation, Sarah Maul - Oratory, and Abbie Perry - Informative Speaking.
The top two speakers in Oratory (Persuasive Speaking) Sarah Maul and T’eyrr Bynum will advance to the Interstate Oratorical Association national tournament in Lafayette, Louisiana. They are the only two speakers that represented Nebraska.
The 2017 Spirit of NIFA Award was given to Gordon Ip, a UNO junior and Communication Studies major. Nominees are chosen from students of every college and university across Nebraska. Nominees are judged based on leadership traits, good sportsmanship, and demonstrate the exemplary values and academic rigor the organization celebrates.
In addition, UNO Director of Forensics Abbie Syrek received the 2017 Nebraska Intercollegiate Forensics Association Distinguished Service Award. This award celebrates her commitment to forensics within the state of Nebraska, service to the NIFA organization and leadership and mentorship within the state. Syrek also served on the NIFA state committee for seven years and helped host seven state tournaments.
More InformationContact Us
- School of Communication
- 6001 Dodge Street, ASH 140
- Omaha, NE 68182
- Phone: 402.554.2600
- Fax: 402.554.3836
College of Communication, Fine Arts and Media
Our Campus. Otherwise Known as Omaha.
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