The Julia Burke Award recognizes the American Debate Association debater who most closely upholds the combination of characteristics that Julia Burke displayed in her love for the activity. These qualities include excellence in and passion for debate, a commitment to helping others, love and respect for the American Debate Association debate community and dedication to maintaining friendships despite the pressures of competition. To learn more about Julia and her legacy – please visit the Julia Burke Foundation.

Executive Director of the Julia Burke Foundation

Joy Johnson

Julia Burke Award Committee

Patrick Waldinger, University of Miami (Chair)

Danielle Verney, US Naval Academy (Past Chair)

Adrienne Brovero, University of Mary Washington

Michael Hall, Liberty University

John Katsulas, Boston College

Recipients of the Julia Burke Award

2024 David Griffith, University of Kentucky

2023 Eugenia Giampetruzzi, Emory University

2022    Kathleen Rock, U.S. Naval Academy 

2021    Thomas Vance, University of Michigan

2020 Julia Lynch, University of Miami

2019    Alex Gazmararian, Emory University

2018 Ned Gidley, Wake Forest University

2017    Rohit Asirvatham, University of Minnesota

2016    Young Kwon, George Mason University

2015    Mariah Young, University of Mary Washington

2014    Tom Pacheco, University of Mary Washington

2013    David Michael Woodard, George Mason University

2012    Brendan Benedict, Boston College

2011    Ben Saunders, University of Mary Washington

2010    Cameron Norris, Vanderbilt University

2009    Sean Lowry, James Madison University

2008    Mary Mosley, James Madison University

2007    Matthew Scorcio, U.S. Naval Academy

2006    Shawntia Diggs, Towson University

2004    Carly Woods, University of Mary Washington

2003    Andrew Barnes, Clarion University

2002    Elizabeth Wiley, John Carroll University