ISU Debate Coach presented with Alumni Achievement of the Year Award

Andy Christensen, Assistant Director of the ISU Speech and Debate program, was presented the Alumni Achievement of the Year Award.

Bengal Alumni Jett Smith, Highland High School debate coach and member of the Idaho Speech Arts Teachers Association delivered the honor.

Christensen has been part of the Bengal squad’s successes for the last six years and is extremely popular among the students. He is known to be someone who cares an incredible amount about his team, someone who always considers the team’s best interest, and is consistently there for their academic, professional, and emotional development as they find their paths in the world.

“Andy has been a key figure in my development as a student, debater, and as a person," said Ashley Helm, a sophomore studying education. "I am grateful for the long conversations and life lessons that have been shared with me. Andy brings much needed joy to our team. The team would not be able to function as well as we do without him.”

Another student, Ciara Gaches, a freshman psychology major, wrote “Andy is an incredible coach. I am incredibly grateful for his support and investment in our team. He is always someone our team can turn to in times of joy and struggle. I am not surprised he was given this achievement. He is a part of the foundation of debate in southeastern Idaho.”

Christensen started speaking and debating in 1984 at Blackfoot High School. He was one of only two Idaho competitors at the National Competition. He studied under ISATA icon Coach Leora Hansen.