Words won the day for senior Alex Zoellner, who earned first place at Rockhurst University’s annual Bourke Extemporaneous Speaking Contest on Thursday, April 3 in Arrupe 116.

Hosted and judged by Rockhurst communication professors Pete Bicak, Ph.D., Lakresha Graham, Ph.D., and Shelly Hepler, Ph.D., the contest challenged students to craft six- to eight-minute persuasive arguments for both sides of a complex issue tied to current events and global citizenship. Approximately two weeks before the competition, the professors assigned each student a topic. Just ten minutes before presenting, students learned which side they would be defending.

Though it is open to all students, participation in the Bourke Extemporaneous Speaking Contest—or the Dowling Oratory Contest—is a graduation requirement for all Rockhurst communication majors. The contests aim to cultivate students’ abilities in public speaking, research and critical thinking while challenging them to perform under pressure.

Zoellner’s winning speech addressed the global risks of artificial intelligence (AI), warning that overreliance on the technology can reduce critical thinking, threaten job stability and increase worldwide instability. She concluded with a call for stricter regulation and more intentional use of AI.

Other standout speakers included Reagan Danner, who tackled the negative effects of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policies in college athletics; Elle Kimball, who gave a personal reflection on technology’s harmful impact on youth; and Auggie Viles, who advocated for banning online sports betting in college sports.

Topics covered in the contest ranged from Missouri’s recreational marijuana policy and the negative impact of minimum wage to the potential consequences of free college education.

Zoellner was officially announced as the winner via email on Friday, April 4. All participants were recognized and thanked for their strong performances.