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
Adrienne Brovero, University of Mary Washington (Chair)
Michael Hall, Liberty University (Past Chair)
John Katsulas, Boston College
Danielle Verney, US Naval Academy
Patrick Waldinger, University of Miami
Recipients of the Julia Burke Award
2002 Elizabeth Wiley, John Carroll University
2003 Andrew Barnes, Clarion University
2004 Carly Woods, University of Mary Washington
2006 Shawntia Diggs, Towson University
2007 Matthew Scorcio, U.S. Naval Academy
2008 Mary Mosley, James Madison University
2009 Sean Lowry, James Madison University
2010 Cameron Norris, Vanderbilt University
2011 Ben Saunders, University of Mary Washington
2012 Brendan Benedict, Boston College
2013 David Michael Woodard, George Mason University
2014 Tom Pacheco, University of Mary Washington
2015 Mariah Young, University of Mary Washington
2016 Young Kwon, George Mason University
2017 Rohit Asirvatham, University of Minnesota
2018 Ned Gidley, Wake Forest University
2019. Alex Gazmararian, Emory University

Alex Gazmararian, 2019 Winner