Administrative/Biographical History
The Public Speaking and Discussion Club of DeKalb, Illinois, was founded in 1932 with its stated purpose being the development of its members as public speakers. The organization had a limited membership and in later years had a waiting list of prospective members. It met once a week during the fall, winter and spring months. The club’s first president was Roy L. Highfield. An important post within the organization was that of instructor, a position held by Dr. William O’Connell among others.