Regents’ Cup sponsors support event celebrating civil discourse, free speech at Arizona’s public universities

Several Arizona companies are demonstrating their dedication to education and support of future leaders by signing on as sponsors for the Regents’ Cup, an event of the Arizona Board of Regents that celebrates free speech and civil discourse at Arizona’s public universities.

The Regents’ Cup is made possible through the generous support of sponsors that demonstrate their support of freedom of expression during an event characterized by spirited debate and respect for opponents. Student participants in the Regents’ Cup showcase debate and public speaking skills during the competition as they vie for thousands of dollars in scholarships made possible by the event’s sponsors. The theme for this year’s event that will take place April 30 at Northern Arizona University is the importance of the preservation of democracy.

Sponsorship levels are through platinum, gold, silver and bronze levels. Sponsors and their level of support are:

• Arizona Public Service Company; Platinum Sponsor
• Salt River Project; W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc.; Gold Sponsors
• Arizona Community Foundation; Silver Sponsor
• Tucson Electric Power; Arizona Center for Civic Leadership at the Flinn Foundation; Bronze Sponsors

“We’re grateful to all of our sponsors who support the Regents’ Cup. These companies make this event possible and enable our student competitors to earn scholarships to advance their educations,” said Regent Larry E. Penley. “We appreciate our sponsors’ generosity and their support of free speech at Arizona’s public universities.”

Arizona’s public universities are recognized as exemplars in free speech; Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University and the University of Arizona are all recognized with the highest rating from FIRE (the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education).

“Learning the fine art of disagreeing with someone without being disagreeable is a practiced skill that enables reasoned and informed discourse. We are proud to support this event and I look forward to another successful competition,” said Jeff Guldner, APS President and Chief Executive Officer. 

Participants in the Regents’ Cup compete during Oxford-style and persuasive storytelling events, sharing real stories from their lives. Judges include policymakers, legislators, judges and educators.

“Freedom of speech is enshrined in our Constitution and is essential to democracy. We appreciate our universities taking the lead in celebrating this essential right. SRP is honored to support the Regents’ Cup,” said Mike Hummel, Salt River Project Chief Executive Officer and General Manager.

Honoring the historic tradition of debate on public university campuses, the Regents’ Cup fosters leadership in students and celebrates freedom of expression at Arizona’s public universities.

For more information, click here.

The Regents’ Cup embodies a spirit of free speech, civil discourse and Arizona’s values – innovation, diversity, accessibility, freedom of choice, intellectually engaging and celebrating our heritage.