November 29, 2011

Clinton Brown wins 2011 Balasi Public Speaking Contest

 Clinton Brown

Clinton Brown, a sophomore Communication Studies major from Charleston, won the 2011 Betty Balasi Public Speaking Contest Tuesday evening.

Brown received first place for his speech entitled "Wal-Mart and the Economy". As the winner, he received a certificate and $500.00. Second place went to Kyle Burton, a freshman Communication Studies major from Martinton (Donovan High School), who received a certificate and $300.00. The third place speaker was Rachael Robinson, a sophomore Business Management major from Charleston, who received $100 and a certificate. 

The contest was open to students enrolled in Public Speaking (CMN 1310) during the Summer and Fall Semesters of 2011.  Other finalists who competed on Tuesday evening were:

  • Tamberlie Burns, senior Family and Consumer Science major from Charleston
  • Eric Echols, freshman Political Science major from Chicago (Lindblom)
  • Brittany Halliday, freshman Special Education/Elementary Education major from Coal City
  • Kristen Webber, freshman English major from Auburn, PA

Contest Finalists

The Betty Balasi Public Speaking Contest is named for a past Communication Studies department secretary who served for 22 years. Betty Balasi was a pillar of the department with a positive outlook and zest for life, compassion, generosity of spirit, and a genuine interest in and selfless commitment to the success and happiness of students and faculty.

Previous Winners of Balasi Public Speaking Contest:

2002:  Adrianne Leschewski

2003:  Lauren Richards

2004:  Megan Wittenborn

2005:  Scott Murray

2006:  Ryan Kerch

2007:  Andrew Luttrell

2008:  Sarah Holman

2009:  Ashley Ruddell

2011:  Clinton Brown