In Celebration of the 145th Anniversary of the Founding of the Curry School of Elocution and Expression, the Communication Department proudly sponsored the Inaugural President’s Speech Contest, featuring ten talented students who spoke on various topics of their choosing.
The contestants, who initially submitted their speeches for consideration, stood before an overflowing audience, captivating all listeners in the room, including the panel of judges; President Jay Gonzalez, Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students Erik Müürisepp, Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs Jeannette Buntin, and Trustee Susan Griffin ’80.
FIRST PLACE - INFORMATIVE
Roshaine Waite '26 | Gen Z and Reading
Inspired by his own life experiences, Waite chose to speak on Gen Z and reading. This year, he began reading every day and soon noticed that whenever he pulled out his book, he would get a range of reactions—mostly expressions of shock. That was enough for him to craft a speech on the disconnect between his generation and reading.
With a flutter of emotions, including nerves, Waite proudly delivered his speech, but also intently listened to the work of his peers. "They gave me the confidence to really put myself out there the way I practiced," he said.
"Every speech had a special part that spoke out to me and made me take a step back and reflect. I heard all different kinds of experiences that related to me and even the ones that didn't still taught me about someone else’s world. Everyone put themselves out there and that in itself is inspiring."
FIRST PLACE - PERSUASIVE
Glanzer Mar '28 | Overcoming Adversity and Building Resilience
Overcome with uncertainty during the initial writing process, Mar pushed through and delivered an incredibly powerful speech, ironically about overcoming adversity and building resilience. With first-hand experience in overcoming obstacles in life, he aimed to provide the audience with something that was validating and insightful. "I wanted to convey a message that said, 'I see your struggles, and you’re more powerful and resourceful than most people give you credit for. Don’t give up. Fight to the teeth for everything you want to accomplish,'" a mantra he now lives by, shaped after years of experience and life lessons.
Mar also connected deeply with the work from his peers, particularly during The Transfer Experience speech by Maddy Greene '26. "As someone who is also a transfer student and hasn’t had the greatest college experience [at other schools], I saw her fight and felt very emotional when she was thanking the people in her life."
I'm humbled by this accomplishment and thank all the people I’ve worked with for this speech. I dedicate this speech to all the students and faculty at this College. I hope that I’ve achieved the goals I had with this speech and that I made everyone feel like they are a part of something. All the effort, the struggles, the moments of doubt—it felt like they all led to this moment. I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunity to share my story and for the recognition.
"I was so inspired by the students who participated in the speech contest. It’s not easy standing up in front of a room full of people and delivering a speech, and they each performed so well. I was also inspired by the many staff, faculty, and students who showed up to cheer the contestants on. Many thanks to the Communication Department for organizing the first of what is sure to be a great new annual tradition at Curry!" -President Jay Gonzalez
Congratulations to all the contestants!
Connor Goodreau | South Shore Community Needs
Ian Nunez | Positive Traits in Sports Players
James Schoenhaler | Influence of Modern Television
Shaloom Bakinahe | Wealth Inequality in the United States
Maddy Greene | Transfer Experience
Roshaine Waite | Gen Z and Reading
Glanzer Mar | Overcoming Adversity and Building Resilience
Nathan Sinclair | Just Five Minutes
Zachary Berlstein | The Need for Voting Reform
Jessica Obijuru | Resilience