Story by: Keyanna James
The Life Raft Debate is a standing tradition at the University of Montevallo which takes place annually on Founder’s Day.
Each year professors debate why their field of study makes them the best person to fill the last spot on the life raft in the post-apocalyptic world.
Survivors of the apocalypse are the members of the audience, and after statements and rebuttals from the professors the devil’s advocate, also a professor, gets a chance to sway survivors into giving him or her the seat.
The 20th debate featured last year’s winner, political science professor, Dr. Andrea Eckelman, social work professor, Dr. Brendan Biel, environmental studies professor, Dr. Susan Caplow, and biology professor, Dr. Heather Tinsley. Each professor was confident in their argument.
“I talk to my students about the importance of discourse and dialog and the role that they play in politics, so I’m hoping to further state that,” said Eckelman.
“I think social work has a lot more to offer,” said Biel.
“I think there is a very easy case and a strong case to be made for why Environmental Studies should be the discipline that is selected,” said Caplow.
“How intrigle biology is to everyone’s lives, nobody can deny the fact that they should vote for me,” said Tinsley.
Dr. Scott Varagona presented as the devil’s advocate for the five time in a row.
“Look what 20 years of debate has gotten us, that’s right, we’re still stuck on the boat,” said Varagona. “I call into question the very debate itself.”
In celebration of this 20 years running tradition, Dr. Varagona gave a recap of the previous winners.
The debate was streamed live on the University YouTube channel, “Montevallo For You.” Viewers of the stream were able to cast their votes via Twitter.
Over 400 votes cast, the devil’s advocate Dr. Varagona won the “Orr.”
“This time I didn’t really expect to win,” said Varagona. “I thought that the other panelist had so much support from the audience that surely one of them would win.”
Dr. Varagona has won three times; this is his second win as the devil’s advocate.
Watch the entire debate online. Follow the Life Raft Debate on Twitter @UoMLiferaft.
Vallo Vision News 