History of HCC Forensics

Hutchinson Community College's proud forensics history extends back to the spring semester of 1929, just one semester after the first classes were held at what was then called Hutchinson Junior College. The 1929 squad of six debaters set a high standard of excellence for future teams. In the third year of existence, the National Honorary Forensics Society for Junior Colleges accepted Hutchinson Junior College into the organization. The Honorary, Phi Rho Pi, was established to promote oratory, extemporaneous speaking, and debate. By 1941, the Delta Chapter (HCC) was the highest ranking chapter in the United States! The students held titles in debate, extemporaneous speech, and oratory. 

Today, after nearly 20 years of dormancy, the program is in full competitive standing with 10 students competing in Oral Interpretation, Platform Speaking, Limited Preparation, and Parliamentary Debate (12 events total).

In April 2001, Hutchinson was officially inducted into the oldest national speech fraternity, Pi Kappa Delta, as the Kansas Sigma Chapter. Pi Kappa Delta was founded in 1913 by faculty and students who recognized the obligation of speakers to use their skills for the betterment of others. Students can become members of Pi Kappa Delta by participating in Forensics, maintaining good academic marks, and offering community service. The letters of PKD loosely translate to mean "The act of Persuasion, beautiful and just."

Alumni