Recapping the 2010 NAUDL Annual Dinner
Concurrent with the 2010 Chase Urban Debate National Championship, the National Association for Urban Debate Leagues (NAUDL) hosted its third Annual Dinner on April 22, 2010. Over 300 supporters and guests joined the NAUDL at the world-renowned Waldorf-Astoria. Attendees met students and teachers, learned more about urban debate, and celebrated the achievements of the students and teachers from across the Urban Debate Network.
The evening began with a VIP reception in the Hilton Room of the Waldorf-Astoria for the NAUDL's strongest supporters. All guests then met with urban debate students, teachers, and UDL administrators at a cocktail reception, which featured speeches on the positive impact of debate delivered by Student Ambassadors from each Urban Debate League represented at the Chase Urban Debate National Championship. Supporters saw firsthand the brightest competitors in urban debate.
The 2010 Keynote Address was delivered by celebrated business leader and NAUDL Honorary Board member Penny Pritzker, who encouraged Annual Dinner guests to become engaged citizens in their communities. Ms. Pritzker's central message was that in times of economic turmoil, the United States faces an imperative to reshape the field of education in order to prepare future citizens to compete globally. Students and professionals alike drew encouragement from Ms. Pritzker's descriptions of successful educational interventions, including some of her own work, both in Chicago and in the nation, which give hope for the future of education in our nation.
Following the Keynote Address, the NAUDL honored Chase with the 2010 Urban Debate Champion Award for the company's landmark support and instrumental role in strengthening the Urban Debate Network. This is the third year that Chase has been the title sponsor of the Urban Debate National Championship - the NAUDL's signature event. Dr. Mark Rigdon, Vice President and Director of Philanthropic Strategy and Programs, spoke about Chase's historic partnership with the NAUDL when accepting the award on behalf of Chase. Continuing the company's legacy of support for urban debate, Dr. Rigdon announced Chase's gift to The L. Scott Deatherage Memorial Fund, created to honor the life of the former NAUDL Executive Director.
Finally, the NAUDL recognized Edward W. Lee as the Urban Debate Alumnus of the Year. Mr. Lee is the Director of Debate at Emory University. He is currently one of the top intercollegiate debate coaches in the United States and one of only three African Americans who serve as Director of Debate. Attributing his success to the coaches, teachers, mentors, and family members who encouraged him throughout his life, Mr. Lee described debate as "the greatest gift I have ever received."
The NAUDL thanks the many generous sponsors who made the 2010 Annual Dinner a huge success. We look forward to converting that investment into access to debate for many more cities, schools, and students in the coming year.
For a recap of the 2009 Annual Dinner, click here.
