The Student Government Association at Quincy University hosted a debate-your-professor event outside the cafeteria on March 24, 2026.

The slogan ‘Rethinking the College Experience’ paved the way for students, allowing them to exchange thoughts on how they experience the expenses of their education.

Luisa Andrade, who is the president of the student government, took the initiative to organize the event because she states that students deserve to voice their opinions about college life.

“I think here in school we hear a lot from the professors and what they think and knowledge their opinions. And I don’t think there’s as many opportunities for students to come out and speak,” Andrade said.

The four professors who showed up to debate the students were Dr. Daniel Strudwick, who is professor of theology and dean of the president’s honors college, and Nora Baldner, who is assistant professor of communication. Dr. Robert Manning, who is a professor of philosophy, and Dr. Neil Wright, who is an associate professor of political science.

“The professors are here to bring out the knowledge, to bring out this education for the students. But how that’s really affecting the students, or what the students think about this, or how they experience this whole Quincy University or liberal education, it’s completely different. And I don’t think they’ve had been many opportunities for them to speak out,” Andrade said.

Andrade explained that this gap between professors and students’ experiences highlights the need for more open conversations on campus.

“And we wanted to bring this opportunity here on campus because I think it’s really important for students to have critical thinking and have an opportunity to actually think and voice their opinions, because that just makes people grow because that’s how progress happens through discussion between people,” Andrade said.

Rochelle Witzke, who is head of events for student government, says that the event gave students a much-needed opportunity to express their opinions and engage in meaningful dialogue with faculty.

“I think that the debate was a really unique and a good opportunity for the school, especially with the lack of student agency we have on campus since COVID. The debate really gave a platform for that, and it was a good opportunity for different professors to show up and give different outlooks. So that’s why I went, and I think that we had a really good turnout,” Witzke said.

Jayden Fink, who is on the standards for the student government, states that when a degree is one-sided, it is important to know your own worth.

“A debate like this is so important to go to when the value of a degree is truly subjective. It’s important to seek out and make your own value. When the financial barrier is larger for our generation with the rising costs, it’s important to know how valuable a small liberal arts degree is,” Fink said.

The event ultimately highlighted the importance of creating spaces where student voices are not only heard, but valued. As conversations about the rising cost of education and the overall college experience continue, initiatives like “Debate Your Professor” demonstrate how open dialogue can bridge the gap between students and faculty.

By encouraging these discussions, Quincy University takes a step toward a more inclusive and responsive campus environment one where both perspectives can contribute to shaping the future of higher education.