Society B. J. F. Holds Discussions on Blasphemy and Presidential Authority
The Benedict Fenwick Debate Society, the oldest campus organization at Holy Cross, made a triumphant return to the college scene on February 3, 2025, hosting its first debate of the semester. Established in 1846, this esteemed society has been a staple of campus life for more than 150 years before becoming defunct around 2003.
The first debate of the year took place in Hogan Campus Center (Hogan 320) near the Hogan Ballroom, with the affirmative team consisting of Liam Murphy '25 (opening), Sebastian Kostrzewski '25 (interrogation/defense), and Marc Capobianco '25 (closing). The negative team was represented by John Zimmermann '26 (opening), Michael Schwerdt '27 (interrogation/defense), and Daniel Capobianco '25 (closing).
The debate topics were thought-provoking, focusing on the moral duty of billionaires and artificial intelligence. Two distinguished judges presided over the debate: Dr. Kate Bush, a visiting assistant professor of the history department, and Professor Donald Brand of the political science department. Prof. Brand, who is co-director of the college's Charles Carroll Program, specializes in American politics and public administration. Dr. Bush, a medievalist and expert in medieval hagiography, brought a unique perspective to the proceedings.
The February 3rd debate marked the beginning of an active semester for the Benedict Fenwick Debate Society. The society held its second debate on February 17, 2025, with the affirmative team comprised of Elliott Stalls '28 (opening), Ian Sykes '28 (interrogation/defense), and Patrick Ryan '27 (closing). The negative team consisted of Willard Hick '27 (opening), Ella Murray '27 (interrogation/defense), and Nora Kelly '27 (closing). The debate topics for the second event were the justifiability of teaching heretical doctrines at Catholic institutions and whether presidential power in the United States has become too excessive.
The Levis Browsing Room of Dinand Library was the location for both the February 3rd and 17th debates, as well as the first debate of the year, held on November 2nd. The topics for the November debate included the 2024 presidential election, the possibility of Greek life on campus, and the nature of human morality.
Despite the wealth of information available about the College of the Holy Cross and its history, publicly available sources do not appear to cover the history, debate topics, or judges’ assessments of the Benedict Fenwick Debate Society in detail. Further inquiry with Holy Cross’s official archives, student organizations, or debate forums may be required to obtain detailed information on this society’s debating history and critiques.
The Benedict Fenwick Debate Society offers a unique space for generations of students and community members to engage in thoughtful discussions and debates on a variety of topics. As the society continues to thrive, it remains an essential part of campus life at Holy Cross.
- The Benedict Fenwick Debate Society, established in 1846, returned to campus life at Holy Cross in 2025, hosting news and events such as debates focusing on education and self-development topics like the moral duty of billionaires and artificial intelligence.
- Students and faculty played significant roles in the debates, demonstrating their learning and skills training in areas like public speaking, critical thinking, and research.
- Notable community members, like Dr. Kate Bush from the history department and Professor Donald Brand from the political science department, served as judges during the debates, contributing to personal growth and career development opportunities for students.
- Despite the wealth of information about the College of the Holy Cross, publicly available sources do not cover the Benedict Fenwick Debate Society in detail, requiring further inquiry for thorough understanding of its debating history and critiques.
- The Levis Browsing Room of Dinand Library has been a consistent location for these thought-provoking events, offering a unique space for community engagement and education.
- The Benedict Fenwick Debate Society continues to provide a valuable platform for discussions and debates on a range of topics, remaining a vital component of campus life at the College of the Holy Cross.
