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By JASON GONZALEZ

Former judge Julie Piering offered a simple message to inspire Northern �����Թ� University’s Regents’ Cup competitors — judges are excited to hear what students have to say.

“First, keep in mind you are an impressive group,” said Piering — NAU’s interim Dean of the College of Arts and Letters and now patron of the Lumberjacks’ Regents’ Cup program. She encouraged students to have a “proper sense of self, such that you can authentically present yourself to the judges and audience.”

Confident communication was the focus of NAU's special training session, held in preparation for the April 12 Regents' Cup competition. The �����Թ� Board of Regents' annual celebration of free speech and civic dialogue will bring together 50 esteemed judges from across the country, representing a broad spectrum of industries, expertise and backgrounds. This distinguished group will judge the 48 competitors, undergraduate and graduate students from �����Թ�’s three public universities, in storytelling and Oxford debate.

NAU is the site of this year’s event, with the Lumberjacks aiming to defend home turf and win the university’s first Regents’ Cup title. This year's theme “The Government and the People: The Social Contract,” embodies the board’s commitment to upholding free speech and expression. This value is also reflected in ABOR’s general education policy, which promotes civil discourse.

“There's always that element of being a little nervous when speaking in front of so many people and such amazing judges. That's why we are grateful for the resources and support, like our coaches Dr. Sarah Walker and Dr. Russell Pryba, Dean Piering and the theater faculty,” said Catherine Kirchoff, a senior majoring in university studies. “We talk a lot about staying true to our stories and how we present it — being comfortable and confident in that truth.”

Three-time Regents’ Cup participant Sage Kaminski, who finished second in the 2023 Oxford debate competition, has learned to welcome nerves. The senior psychology major reminds herself that judges and audience members are eager to engage with students’ perspectives.

Regents’ Cup newcomer Trinity Hamilton initially felt both excitement and intimidation at the prospect of competing. Now the senior psychology major looks forward to sharing her story and networking with the judges throughout competition weekend.

Collins Chukwunoso-Ezea is gaining confidence by spending extra time in front of the mirror, but not for reasons one might think. The Nigerian international student practices public speaking by talking to his reflection, a strategy that served him well as a debate champion in his home country.

"If you don't share what's in your heart, nobody will know your story,” said Chukwunoso-Ezea, a first-year graduate student in the applied sociology program. “The mirror becomes my audience as I'm trying to learn how to freely talk about things that are in my heart. Then I share my thoughts in a way that resonates and connects with other people.”

Like the Territorial Cup Series celebrates sports rivalries among �����Թ�’s public universities, the Regents’ Cup fosters the same spirited state pride. NAU is eager to make its mark in this friendly competition and will have the full support of its campus and the Flagstaff community.

“We have a lot to offer at NAU, and there are a lot of beautiful minds and beautiful stories,” said Hayder Alainizi, a senior philosophy major. “We definitely have our perks at 7,000 feet on the mountain. It's a wonderful campus, with wonderful people and wonderful professors. We look forward to showcasing that at the Regents’ Cup this year. The board of regents has done a wonderful job giving us this platform to showcase our abilities of free speech — one of the founding pillars of this nation.”

Co-coach Walker, the director of NAU Speech and Debate and an assistant teaching professor in the School of Communication, is thrilled to be competing on home turf, ready to show their in-state rivals what Lumberjack country is all about.

“This is our opportunity for students to really shine and display all of the amazing skills they learn in a university setting at NAU,” Walker said.

Pryba, co-coach and associate teaching professor in the Philosophy Department, is also rallying his students by embracing the role as home team.

“There's a really strong desire to highlight what's unique about NAU, and the NAU experience,” said Pryba. “We have had some success with individual debaters and storytellers, but we haven't brought home that Regents’ Cup. It would be particularly edifying if we were able to get the team victory while we are the host site for the Regents’ Cup this year.

“We want to win.”

To learn more about NAU’s Regents’ Cup team and read their individual essays on the importance of civil discourse and free speech, visit the Regents’ Cup team page here. Please contact the board office if you would like more information about visiting the Regents’ Cup event.