(Aberdeen, S.D.) The Northern State University Speech and Debate Team is very excited to announce that an NSU Student, Matthew Maass, Clear Lake, received an Excellent Rating this past weekend in Persuasive Speaking at the 2010 Pi Kappa Delta National Comprehensive Tournament in Bloomington, Minn. To receive a rating of Excellent a student must place in the top 30% in the nation in their event. Matthew’s speech was on the effects of Urban Sprawl on the environment.

The 2010 Pi Kappa Delta National Comprehensive Tournament was attended by 57 colleges and universities from across the nation ranging from Division I institutions to community colleges, and is open to any student wanting to compete from those institutions.

The very young NSU Team placed 31st defeating teams from the University of Michigan, Louisiana State University, Morehouse College, Murray State University, Old Dominion University, The University of Mary and Southwest Minnesota State University.

About Northern State University

Northern State University is a premier residential, liberal arts institution characterized by outstanding instruction, extraordinary community relations, and unparalleled co-curricular opportunities. In August of 2009 NSU was again named by U.S. News and World Report as one of the best undergraduate public institutions in the Midwest. For more information about NSU, visit our Web site at www.northern.edu.