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Auburn Speaks 2023 finalists announced

Auburn University’s School of Communication and Journalism held its bi-annual public speaking competition semi-finals Wednesday, March 29. Six talented contestants have advanced as finalists.

Natalie Ford, Zach Harrigan, Libby McCracken, Zoe Stewart, Melinda Walker and Fiona Washburn will compete in the finals on April 6. The semi-finals included 75 students from public speaking, or COMM 1000, classes. The six advancing students will compete next week for the honor of the Philip Lutzenkirchen Excellence in Public Speaking Award, named after former Auburn student and football player Philip Lutzenkirchen.

Philip Lutzenkirchen was a standout member of the Auburn community. As an active communications student and a member of the Auburn football team, Philip touched the lives of everyone around him. Auburn Speaks keeps Lutzenkirchen’s legacy alive by honoring students who share his similar passion.

“There's a mixture of delight and sadness that I go into the evening with each time we host this event,” said Jennifer Johnson, director of the public speaking program at Auburn University. “The public speaking competition is my favorite part of every semester because it is a chance to highlight the outstanding work of Auburn students that we, as their teachers, get to see in COMM 1000 all the time. And yet, it's also a moment to remember and reflect on Philip’s life and legacy.”

The final round of Auburn Speaks will be held Thursday, April 6, at 7 p.m. in the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center. To learn more and follow the competition, visit the College of Liberal Arts website or the AU School of CMJN Instagram.

Tags: Communication and Journalism Students