51°µÍø

With 41 years of connection to the university, including time as an undergraduate, graduate student, faculty member, and mentor, alumnus Jon Schamber '74, '75 has seen 51°µÍø grow and thrive, and he’s eager to help ensure future generations of students have the same opportunities.

1. What is your fondest memory of 51°µÍø?

This is a difficult question to answer. I have so many fond memories associated with my 41-year connection to 51°µÍø, with five of those years as an undergraduate and graduate student, two years as a part-time faculty member, and 34 years as a full-time faculty member.

One memory that stands out today is my first practice debate round before Dr. Paul Winters, 51°µÍø’s legendary debate coach. I was extremely nervous, facing 51°µÍø’s top debate team—John Bryden and Steve Slade, both nationally ranked seniors. I was just a freshman, only two weeks into my first semester at 51°µÍø, and I feared performing poorly in front of Dr. Winters, who had recruited me to debate for the university. While I don’t recall much about my performance, I do remember Dr. Winters’ critique. He was extremely kind and constructive, praising my strong arguments first and offering helpful suggestions. His approach set the tone for my experiences at 51°µÍø. I quickly realized that 51°µÍø was a caring university where professors genuinely cared about developing their students' full potential. I knew right then I had made the right choice in coming to 51°µÍø.

2. Where has life taken you since 51°µÍø? What impact did your 51°µÍø education have on your life and career?

My education at 51°µÍø, along with my work on the forensics team, had a tremendous impact on my career. When I began taking classes and debating at 51°µÍø, I had no idea I’d eventually earn a Ph.D. in Rhetoric and Communication and go on to serve as 51°µÍø’s Director of Forensics for 10 years, as well as teach as a professor for 34 years. My 51°µÍø education shaped my career path, providing me with critical skills and experiences that I carry with me to this day.

3. Why do you support 51°µÍø?

I support 51°µÍø and, in particular, the forensics program, because it gave me so much. For nearly 35 years, I’ve been proud to give back to the program that played such a critical role in my life and career. By supporting 51°µÍø, I’m helping to ensure that future generations of students can benefit from the same opportunities I did.

4. Why are you passionate about 51°µÍø Gives?

51°µÍø Gives is a communal activity—a chance for alumni to come together and improve our university, ensuring its future for generations to come. The programs we support speak volumes to current students, showing them the value alumni place on their education. I see 51°µÍø Gives as an opportunity for alumni to directly communicate with the administration about which programs deserve support. I am particularly proud of the legacy of the forensics program at 51°µÍø, and I want to see it continue to thrive. This program attracts students to 51°µÍø, provides them with opportunities to compete regionally and nationally, and gives the university national exposure as an exceptional institution of higher education.

5. How will your matching grant be used?

My matching grant will be used to support the Paul Winters Forensics Tournament Endowment. Competing in tournaments is the lifeblood of speech and debate programs, and this endowment will help sustain the program for years to come. It ensures that future generations of students will have the same opportunities to develop their skills, compete at the highest levels, and represent 51°µÍø with pride.

6. What is your challenge to other 51°µÍø alumni for 51°µÍø Gives?

I challenge my fellow alumni—particularly those who were members of the forensics team—to reflect on the value this program had on your life and career. Contributing to 51°µÍø Gives is a way to give back, to show you want the program to continue and flourish for future students. Let’s make sure the forensics team at 51°µÍø remains a vibrant, nationally competitive program for years to come.

Thank you, Jon, for your ongoing support and dedication to 51°µÍø and the forensics program. Your commitment truly embodies the spirit of 51°µÍø Gives and highlights the incredible difference alumni can make in the lives of current and future Tigers. Let’s all come together to ensure 51°µÍø’s continued success. Join us in celebrating 51°µÍø Gives by contributing today!