Are you looking to develop skills that will set you apart in both college and your future career? Don't miss our upcoming Debate and Civic Dialogue event!
When? Thursday, April 3 from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Where? Confluence Assembly Rooms
This exciting opportunity will introduce you to the world of competitive speech and debate, showing you how these skills connect directly to programs in communication, journalism, public speaking, political science, criminology, pre-law, and more.
Why Debate Matters
In today's divided world, the ability to express yourself clearly, listen to opposing viewpoints, and engage in respectful dialogue isn't just a nice skill to have—it's essential. This event will show you how debate can help you:
Build confidence in public speaking
Develop critical thinking skills
Learn to construct compelling arguments
Navigate complex social and political issues
Add an impressive credential to your resume
More Than Just Arguments
Debate isn't about "winning" or being the loudest voice in the room. It's about learning the art of civic dialogue—a crucial skill that helps overcome polarization and enables productive decision-making in all aspects of life.
Open to All Experience Levels
Never debated before? No problem! This event welcomes students of all experience levels, from complete beginners to those with previous speech and debate background.
Get Involved!
Join us to learn about:
Debate classes you can take for credit
Tournament opportunities (local and beyond!)
How these skills connect to your specific major
Ways to practice debate right here on campus
History of the Holbrook Cup:
It is a pleasure to welcome all of you to the 2025 Holbrook Cup, the premier event of the Irish Debate Series’ visits to MSU Denver since 2023. The Irish Debate Series was founded in 1980 by Professor Gary Holbrook of the Metropolitan State College of Denver. Professor Holbrook had been on sabbatical at Trinity College, Dublin in 1979 doing research on the College Historical Society, a debate society founded by Edmund Burke in 1747. The College Historical Society is the oldest university debating society in the British Isles. While in Ireland, Professor Holbrook attended the final round of the Observer Mace Debates in Bristol, England. The Irish teams finished first and second at the competition. While the Irish had won the Observer Mace two years in a row, it would be representatives from England who would get to tour the United States in exhibition debates under the sponsorship of the English-Speaking Union. The English teams had been touring the United States since the 1920's.
In the spring of 1979, Professor Holbrook hosted a series of meetings at Trinity College with several representatives of the major college debating societies to see if there was enough interest in a tour for Irish students and to seek sponsorship for such a tour. It was concluded that the winners of the Irish TimesDebate would be selected for the tour each year. Professor Holbrook contacted Christina Murphy, education editor and organizer of the debates for The Irish Times. Christina wholeheartedly supported such a venture.
Professor Holbrook returned to the United States in May of 1979 and secured financial support for the 1980 tour from the Adolph Coors Company. Coors underwrote the tour for three years. In 1983, the Friends of the Irish Debate Series was formed by Professor Holbrook. This organization supported the Irish debaters until the National Parliamentary Debate Association became the official sponsor of the tour in 1997.
In 2023, the Irish Debate Series returned to MSU Denver for the first ever Holbrook Cup, an event named in honor of Gary Holbrook that features competitions between the Irish Debate Series and college debaters from around Colorado. Gary attended the first cup before passing away in the fall of 2023.
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