Providence College Debate Society

The Providence College Debate Society (PCDS) was founded in 1921 and is the oldest club/organization at Providence College located in Providence, Rhode Island

History

Providence College was founded in 1917 as private institution of higher education where Catholics could gain access to a university education (as certain colleges forbade the entrance of Catholic students). In 1921 Providence College Debate Society was founded and was also the first club and student organization on campus. Its first debate competition with another college was against College of the Holy Cross in 1947, which won on a unanimous decision.

Since its inception the Debate Society has remained nationally competitive in several different formats of debate.

The Debate Society has gone through several periods of relative inactivity and subsequent revival. During these periods the Society has ranged from 5 students to as large as 40 with most years having between 15-20 ACTIVE debating members. Despite its relatively small size the Society has produced several nationally ranked members and has been consistently ranked nationally.

Throughout its history the Debate Society has been members in various leagues at different points in its history. Memberships have included:

1. National College Forensics League (No longer active)
2. National College Policy League (No longer active)
3. National LD Circuit (No longer active)
4. Active in Pre-APDA Parliamentary Debate (reformed into APDA)
5. Model UN (Several periods of inactivity and activity)
6. Model OAS (Founding member, 1996–Present)
7. Ethics Bowl (1981–Present)
8. British Parliamentary Debate (1981–Present)
9. American Parliamentary Debate Association-APDA (Founding member, 1981–Present)

Coaches

• 2012-2015: Father Justin Brophy, O.P.
• 2015-2016: Dr. Colin King, PhD, Philosophy
• 2016–Present: Yvonne Yu, APDA and Northeastern University Debate

Presidents and Former Presidents

Due to lack of Society records regarding its own elections, much of the history of the Society's executive heads remain unknown.

• Mary Ryback, 2003-2005
• Eric Brescia, 2005-2007
• Nicholas T. Cote 2007-2008
• E.J. Fagan 2008-2011
• Alec Gaffney, 2011-2012
• Austin Rotondo 2012-2013
• Matthew Schuhriemen: 2013-2014
• Meghan Gallo, 2015
• Noah Gemma: 2015-2016
• Jillian O'Melia: 2016–2017
• Carly Martino and Annie Butler: 2017-2018

Vice President/Vice President of Operations and Former Title Holders

At various points in its history the title has oscillated between "Vice President" and "Vice President of Operations".

• John Bugnacki: April 2012- April 2013
• Edward Walrod: April 2013- April 2014
• Meghan Gallo: 2014-December 2015
• Austin Harney: December 2015-April 2015
• Jillian O'Melia: April 2015-April 2016
• Mackenzie Tor: April 2016 – Present

Treasurers/VP of Finances and Former Title Holders

At various points in its history the title has oscillated between "Treasurer" and "Vice President of Finance".

• Kaden Belanger: 2012-2014
• Edward Walrod: April 2014-April 2016
• Justin Gallo: February 2016-April 2016
• John Whitney: April 2016 – Present

Novice Coordinator/Membership Director and Former Title Holders

At various points in its history the title has oscillated between "Novice Coordinator" and "Membership Director"

• Josh Kasper: September 2012-December 2012 (Resigned due to internship conflicts)
• Chris Baryiames: January 2013-April 2013
• Meghan Gallo: April 2013-April 2014
• Mike McCormick: April 2014-April 2015
• Jillian O'Melia: April 2015-April 2016
• Carly Martino: April 2016 – Present

Secretary

Created in February 2014

• Mackenzie Tor February 2014-April 2016
• Justin Gallo, Acting while Mackenzie Tor went abroad: February 2016-April 2016
• Annie Butler: April 2016 – Present

National Rankings

This only includes the rankings for Ethics Bowl, MOAS, and APDA:

Ethics Bowl

Rankings for Ethics Bowl are for the whole school in general as they do not rank individuals.

• 2012-2013: 6th
• 2013-2014: 7th
• 2014-2015: 2nd
• 2015-2016: 1st
• 2016-2017: TBD

MOAS

• 2010-2011: 2nd
• 2011-2012: 3rd
• 2012-2013: 1st
• 2012-2014: 1st
• 2014-2015: 1st
• 2015-2016: 1st

Nationally Ranked Speakers in MOAS:

• 2012-2013: Unknown
• 2013-2014: Unknown
• 2014-2015: Daniel Tosiano 2nd, Alex Nunnelly 3rd
• 2015-2016: Edward Walrod 1st

American Parliamentary Debate Association

• 2012-2013: 35th
• 2013-2014: 32nd
• 2014-2015: 21st
• 2015-2016: 21st
• 2016-2017: To be determined

World Ranking

• 2012-2013: Top Third
• 2013-2014: Top Fourth
• 2014-2015: Top Fourth
• 2015-2016: Top Fourth

Individuals

The Society has produced several nationally ranked debaters. They are listed here by in order of top varsity rank achieved descending:

APDA Tournament

Providence College Debate Society has held its own APDA tournament since 1981. It is widely considered to run one of the best US based tournaments. It has consistently run ahead of schedule, drawn relatively large crowds, decorated accordingly to its theme, debaters in costumes, entertainment, food, and general fun.

Activities On Campus

The Debate Society has had several events on campus from movie nights to hosting on campus political discussions on issues such as Gaza, Presidential Elections, and Free Speech on Campus.

Notable alumni

Several notable national leaders are alumni of Providence College Debate Society including:

• Chris Dodd, Former Senator from CT
• Thomas Dodd, Former Senator from CT
• Patrick Kennedy, Former RI Congressman
• Joe Fauliso, Former Lt. Governor of CT
• Charles Fogarty, Former Lt. Governor of Rhode Island
• Raymond Flynn, Former Mayor of Boston
• John Fogarty, Former RI Congressman
• Howard McGrath, Former Attorney General
• Fernand St. Germain, Former RI Congressman
• Robert Tiernan, Former RI Congressman
• Selectman Patrick Reynolds, youngest Selectman in the USA-North Attleboro, MA. Currently on the team