�����Թ�

By JASON GONZALEZ

In preparation of the sixth annual Regents’ Cup, the University of �����Թ� competitors are finding that success isn’t just about winning debates or delivering impactful stories — it’s also about friendships and connections. Late-night dinners and even karaoke sessions have helped the teammates form bonds that have become a cornerstone of their training for the �����Թ� Board of Regents’ April 12 speech and debate event at Northern �����Թ� University. 

“Within our team, we are all very different people united by our strong belief in free speech, in building ourselves and learning,” said Payton Hussman, a senior studying interdisciplinary studies. “We're getting to know our teammates, becoming friends, even. It’s a community. And with that shared trust, we are becoming a better team.” 

The Regents' Cup embodies the commitment of �����Թ�'s three public universities to upholding free speech and expression. This value is also reflected in ABOR’s general education policy, which promotes civil discourse and constructive dialogue.

As the U of A students explore this year’s theme of "The Government and the People: The Social Contract," they’ve embraced an approach rooted in trust, understanding and mutual support. Ananya Singhvi, a senior marketing and economics major, is now competing in her third Regents’ Cup, this time as a storyteller after two years in Oxford debate. Grateful for the United States and Constitutional law knowledge she’s gained through three years of prep with the U of A coaches, she’s ready to take on a new challenge and use her voice to form a personal connection with the audience. 

“I appreciate the platform that Regents’ Cup has created to celebrate free speech,” said Singhvi. “This event, the friendships, the community — it is what has kept me coming back three years in a row. We are creating something together that goes beyond just our competition preparation."

One of Logan Brabant's favorite nights since arriving on campus was spent with his Regents' Cup teammates singing karaoke late into the evening. The songs they sang may not help the junior triple-majoring in history, political science and law on competition day, but he’s certain these experiences help the team. 

“I’ll keep these memories forever.” Brabant said. “This team is like my second family at this point. We just have a lot of fun. We know how each other thinks to a certain extent, and we are able to build upon that. It makes us a better team.”

Some of the teammates’ impromptu gatherings have turned into late-night dinners. Toluwalope Adeoti said the extra time together creates an open space where they can provide honest, helpful criticism in an informal space. An international student from Nigeria studying business management, Adeoti sees the Regents' Cup as an opportunity to bridge cultural understanding. "This is about the social contract," she said. "I want to help people see different perspectives and appreciate our shared humanity.”

Co-coaches and U of A faculty Diana Leonard and Ted McLoof, who have been part of Regents’ Cup since its inception in 2019, have taken notice of the bond formed by this year’s group. McLoof said the connection developed quickly and as a result the students keep lines of communication open with each other outside of practice.

“We have a team who really values the community of the team,” said McLoof, the executive director of the U of A discourse series and faculty member in the English department for creative writing. “It is really touching to see the bonds they have forged. And it’s really wonderful to watch them grow as public speakers and as thinkers and as conversationalists.”

Leonard, who is the director of public speaking in the Department of Communication and also coaches U of A's speakers for TEDx, SXSW and commencement, said, “The work that the students do for Regents' Cup every year is remarkable, and this year is no different in that regard; but the generosity toward one another this year in sharing and receiving ideas and support from one another stands out. The experience, depth of intimacy and vulnerability our students are willing to share humbles me. To watch each other grow and become more confident in the process is a rare gift."

As Hussman takes the stage for the Oxford debate competition next month, he recognizes victory extends beyond the competition itself, and the true rewards have been in the journey.

“We're here for the same goal, and we trust each other to achieve that goal of winning,” Hussman said. “But whether we take home the Regents’ Cup, we win in the end, anyway, because we have forged such great friendships and learned from each other. I will have won by honing my critical thinking and communication skills, and by building my understandings of important political and philosophical issues, that I may have previously been unwilling to explore in detail. My exposure to ideas, people and skills that participating in Regents' Cup has provided me are substantial victories themselves.”

To learn more about the U of A 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.