McKendree Debate Coach Wins National Honor
Joe Blasdel Wins Dr. Gina Lane Advocate Award
Lebanon, Ill. — The coach of McKendree University’s award-winning debate team recently
brought home an honor all his own.
Joe Blasdel received the Dr. Gina Lane Award at the recent National Parliamentary
Debate Association (NPDA) championship tournament. The award, presented by the Sisters
and Allies Against Inequality in Debate (SAAID), is given annually to a coach or student
who promotes inclusion and diversity in the debate community.
“This is really quite an honor,” said Blasdel. “I’m especially thankful to my students,
staff and friends who wrote letters on my behalf and to the SAAID board for selecting
me. I think there is nothing more important our community can do than to make sure
that we expose as many people as possible to the tremendous benefits of debate regardless
of their background or status.”
At the National Parliamentary Tournament of Excellence, Blasdel was also elected as
the vice president of the NPTE board of trustees.
Blasdel, a Lebanon resident, is a 2000 McKendree graduate.
-McK-
