May 6, 2022
Epping recognized with the Distinguished Service Award
Darren Epping, instructor of communication studies, received the Distinguished Service Award from the American Forensic Association National Speech Tournament at the annual collegiate national speech competition. The award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated tremendous service, leadership, innovation and contributions to the advancement and development of the association. This is the highest distinction the organization bestows on collegiate speech coaches.
Epping also serves as assistant director of forensics and director of public speaking for the communications department. He has served on the tournament staff since 2014, served on the national committee since 2017 and has served as the national committee vice-chair since 2019. Epping works to make competitive collegiate speech more accessible, sustainable and ethical. During his coaching career, Epping coached numerous individual national champions and several teams placing in the Top 10 at the tournament.
The national competition was April 1-4 in Lincoln, Nebraska.