C. Henry Smith Contest

The C. Henry Smith Peace Oratorical Contest is hosted each spring by the communications department and the peace & conflict studies program. Five Bluffton students spoke on behalf of peace in the 2012 C. Henry Smith Peace Oratorical Contest.

• The 2013 C. Henry Smith Peace Oratorical Contest will be held on

Civic Engagement Day
Wednesday, April 10
7 p.m., in Yoder Recital Hall

Any Bluffton University student is eligible to enter a proposal for the contest. Students selected to participate will prepare an oration (no more than 10 minutes in length) that applies the Christian peace position to an issue of contemporary concern. For example, speeches that articulates a specific Christian peace witness in response to unjust immigration laws or enforcement practices, the continued military occupation of Iraq or Afghanistan, or the abuse of the earth and our environment are welcome, as is any speech that advances nonviolence and reconciliation in a specific human context. Explore previous presentations and topics.

1st Prize: $175
2nd Prize: $125
3rd Prize: $100

The first prize winner will go on to compete with winning students from other North American Mennonite colleges. Winners of the bi-national contest receive:

1st Prize: $250
2nd Prize: $150
3rd Prize: $75

The competition is administered by the Mennonite Central Committee and was established in honor of C. Henry Smith, who was on the Bluffton faculty from 1914-46. Smith is well-known for his particular attention to the peace commitments of the Mennonite tradition.

For more information, contact Gerald at mastg@bluffton.edu.