Wake Forest Debate Champion Selected to Compete Internationally

Daveed Gartenstein-Ross, a national debate champion from Wake Forest University, is one of four individuals chosen for a six-week international debate tour.

“I see it as a great opportunity,” said Gartenstein-Ross of the tour featuring debate competitions and several exhibition matches. The tour begins on Jan. 27 and includes countries such as Portugal and Ireland.

Gartenstein-Ross, who graduated this December with a bachelor’s degree in communication, was chosen for the tour by the Committee on International Debate and Discussion after a national call for collegiate debaters and a competition among finalists.

Gartenstein-Ross’ most notable accomplishment while at Wake Forest was earned in 1997 when he and his debating partner Brian Prestes of Worchester, Mass., won the national championship in intercollegiate debating at the National Debate Tournament.

In addition to debating for Wake Forest, he assisted the coaching staff in the spring of 1998.

Gartenstein-Ross is part of Wake Forest’s long and successful debate program, which dates back to at least 1904. The program has produced numerous top debaters and is among a small number of schools that has qualified the most often for the National Debate Tournament’s national finals.

In the fall, Gartenstein-Ross plans to begin law school. He is interested in a joint graduate degree of law and either politics or religion.

Categories: Student, University Announcement