November 9, 2017

SVSU students display speaking skills during Sims Public Speaking Competition

Six Saginaw Valley State University students demonstrated their proficiency in public speaking on Friday, Nov. 3 during SVSU's 28th annual Sims Public Speaking Competition. The competition allows students to hone their oral communication skills while presenting on topics of their choosing.  

First place was awarded to Zac Peterson, a first-year marketing major from Midland, for his presentation titled "Male Body Standards." The distinction earned him a $400 cash prize. 

Five other students earned accolades for their presentations during the competition:

• Allison Milke, a communication major from Macomb, was awarded the second place $250 cash prize.
• Jill Castle, a communication major from Standish, was awarded the third place $150 cash prize.
• Abbey Leach, a communication major from Frankenmuth, was awarded the fourth place $100 cash prize.
• Shafayat Alam, a management major from Bangladesh, was a finalist in the competition, earning a $75 cash prize.
• Tiler Jewell, a creative writing major from Essexville, was also a finalist, earning a $75 cash prize.

The competition is endowed by Larry and Linda Sims, long-time supporters of SVSU. Linda currently serves as senior executive assistant to the president/executive director for communications and external affairs at SVSU; she also previously served as chair of SVSU’s Board of Control.