About the Namesake and Fund
Dr. Alfred “Tuna” Snider served as faculty in the College of Arts and Sciences, and directed the Lawrence Debate Union at the University of Vermont for close to forty years. He was one of the foremost debate educators of his time and dedicated his life to helping students to find their voice by teaching them the tools of debate.
Tuna helped to instill a sense of global responsibility and connection to his students, especially through connecting them with international debating opportunities – placing value on the importance of international travel to enrich the experience for students.
In recognition of his service to the University of Vermont and the global debate community, this new endowment named for Tuna will enable that mission to continue. This permanent fund will mean that generations of debaters will continue to find their voice through the practice of debate on a global scale.
Additional information
Alfred C. "Tuna" Snider was the University of Vermont's beloved debate team director and an international legend in the arena of academic argument. Considered one of the foremost debating teachers of his era, Professor Snider was renowned worldwide as a convener, coach and judge of debating competitions and workshops.
A consummate wordsmith in every format, Snider also loved music and served as the faculty advisor for the campus radio station, WRUV-90.1 FM.
In addition to his many debate and persuasion courses at UVM, he taught the popular "The Rhetoric of Reggae Music," which outlines the history of the genre and its influence on social and political dialogue. Snider also co-founded the Vermont Reggae Festival and hosted a "Reggae Lunch" every Wednesday for 15 years on WRUV.
Tuna Snider Memorial
A fund honoring Professor Alfred C. "Tuna" Snider, UVM's beloved debate team director and international legend in academic argument.