As Whitworth Professor of Communication Studies and Director of Forensics Mike Ingram prepares to retire in spring 2026, forensics alumni from throughout the decades reflect on their favorite memories of “Coach” and the meaningful impact he has had on their lives:
“Mike has been a great friend, both as an academic mentor and brother in Christ. I recall my senior year struggling with composing an assignment in Ethics in Communication. Mike took my phone call late in the evening, listened, and helped me find direction in completing a ‘personal ethics statement’ that has directed my later career.” – Jeff Swan ’91, Yakima (Wash.) County Superior Court judge
“One of the best gifts from participating in forensics was having Mike as a teacher, coach, and eventually a friend. We have stayed in touch and even found time to visit when I’m passing through the area. His example of encouragement that was truthful, compassion that was grounded in expectations, and a calm and steady presence even in the face of chaos and confusion showed me what exceptional leadership looks like. I learned how to be a better person from him, and that gift continues to bear fruit.” – The Rev. Cindy Kohlmann ’95, lead presbyter & stated clerk for New Castle Presbytery (Newark, Del.)
“I immediately think of the vans named for Starfleet ships and everyone singing ‘Jungle Love’ in the parking lot after a successful meet. The thing I think of most often in life is his frequent reminder to, ‘Focus. Set the tone. And, above all, have fun.’” – Michael Lawlor ’99, attorney and owner of LAWLOR & CO., PLLC (Missoula, Mont.)
“In the late 1990s, Mike Ingram would make a promise: If our debate team would win a debate tournament by ‘closing it out’ (meaning Whitworth teams would be the last two teams in contention – meaning a Whitworth win was guaranteed) – Mike promised he would sing and dance! The hardest I have ever laughed, and the most joy I have ever felt, was watching Dr. Mike Ingram dancing and singing a Steve Miller Band song late at night in a parking lot as we loaded up the van to drive back to Spokane. An absolute delight!” – Kevin Benson ’00, director of U.S. fundraising at World Relief; executive coach, Bold Move Coaching & Consulting (Spokane)
“When I was a senior in college, I had to decide if I was going to pursue the career I had always thought I would, or if I would follow my growing interests in communication and research by going to graduate school. [Mike] noticed how overwhelmed I was, decided to hold off on the speeches at our weekly coaching meeting, and asked me guided questions to help me sort through my options. At the end of the meeting, he looked me in the eyes and said, ‘I am on Team Rylee, and I will always be on Team Rylee.’ His willingness to set aside our forensics work and instead use that time to invest in my life encapsulate who he is and how much he values his students.” – Rylee Walter ’19, assistant director of forensics & adjunct instructor of communication studies at Whitworth University
“During my first month on the team, one of my close friends from high school died by suicide. I found out while walking to forensics practice and just broke down in class. It was maybe our second or third meeting, so I was still really new. Coach immediately delayed practice, stepped outside to pray with me while I was sobbing, and made sure the seniors on the team checked in on me afterward. That level of compassion is something I’ll never forget. It’s the kind of empathy I aspire to use throughout my life, in every facet of it. I genuinely believe that if there were more people like Coach in the world, it would be a kinder, better place.” – Chauncella Koulibali ’22, medical student at Oregon Health & Science University
“Mike Ingram probably doesn’t even remember this moment, but it left a lasting impact on me. So, at the end of debate tournaments during the awards ceremony, one individual from a team would grab the trophy on behalf of that school. Coach would designate this individual partway through the tournament, usually the person who competed the best in their events. Going into this one tournament, I had been working SO hard… but the effort was not reflected in the tournament results. The exact details are hazy, but I remember not even making it to the elimination rounds and it breaking my spirit a little (not in a hypercompetitive way, but in a ‘Oh man, all that hard work to improve and nothing to show for it’ way). Coach must’ve seen this and chose ME to get the trophy for the team that day. It felt like a Hollywood movie moment where the inspiring coach reminds his players that at the end of the day, how you play the game (with integrity, with hard work, etc.) matters more than how you score.” – Lyra Freely ’16 (formerly Madison Garner), script supervisor and makeup artist at Lyra Freely, LLC
Look for a story on the impact of the Whitworth Forensics Program in the June 2026 issue of Whitworth Today magazine.
Worth a Look 