Debbie C. Mukuka

What’s your favorite class? Why?

Comparative Rhetoric (RHMS 315) with Kundai Chirindo. I enjoyed this class because it questioned many of the things I’ve been taught in other classes. The funny thing is, before taking this class, I took Rhetorical Theory with Mitch Reyes (great class), and in this one, Kundai basically critiques a bunch of things we were taught in that class (no beef there, I promise—it’s all designed that way). What I love about it is that it pushed me to not just accept things the way they are, but to question why they are that way and how, if needed, we can change them. We ask fundamental questions like, “Why is the discipline of rhetoric so white?” “Why is it so English?” “Do animals use rhetoric?” “Why is rhetoric so U.S. American?” “How can we appreciate what we’ve been taught while also acknowledging that it may not be the full truth or the truth at all?” Honestly, if you love a good debate and intellectual argument, or just want to challenge Plato and the Greeks, this class with Kundai is for you!

What made you want to come to Lewis & Clark?

I heard a lot of great things about Lewis & Clark from multiple alumni, and it also offers really strong financial aid, which was a big factor in my decision.

What do you like or find most interesting about your major?

I love how dynamic the rhetoric and media studies major is. You could be learning about how film works in one class and the history of argument and persuasion in the next. It is also such an active field as, rhetoric is a daily force in our lives. When paired with theatre, the two disciplines complement each other so seamlessly, they become a powerful tool for expression and impact—one I’m eager to keep developing and exploring further.

What do you like or find most interesting about your minor?

I just love getting to learn and speak more Spanish!

Tell us about your support systems and social outlets on campus: people, activities, clubs, res halls, etc.

My team at the Center for Social Change and Community Involvement makes me so happy, and I truly enjoy the work we do together. We connect L&C students to volunteer and social change opportunities on campus, in the broader Portland community, and internationally! Over my time there, I’ve been connected to many opportunities related to my interests, and one memorable experience this semester was volunteering as a witness in a Mock Trial supporting the L&C Law School at the Multnomah County Courthouse, which was pretty cool!

The L&C Speech and Debate team is a fun and intellectually stimulating group that I enjoy being a part of. I’m currently on the British Parliamentary (BP) team, where we engage in high-level debates on a range of topics, from peak globalisation to the Grammys. Our Director, Joe Gantt, genuinely cares about the team and is always ready to support us in any way he can. It’s also exciting to travel for tournaments and explore other college campuses. During my last tournament, we flew down to the University of Southern California (USC) in L.A., where we competed against several schools and enjoyed a fun mixer hosted by USC one night.

If you have studied or will study overseas while at Lewis & Clark, how did you choose your program? What did your overseas study add to your L&C experience?

I chose Granada, Spain, because I wanted to be in a place that would not only help fulfill my minor requirement of speaking Spanish, but also be rich in theatre and the arts. Granada is known for its vibrant flamenco culture and strong theatre tradition, and I’m so excited to delve into that!

What advice do you have for incoming students?

Be honest with yourself about what you want from college and your college experience.

Be honest with yourself about what you want from college and your college experience. Once you take the time to establish that thoughtfully, you’ll feel more content and confident in where you are and in what you’re building over the next four years.

How did your financial aid package influence your decision to attend Lewis & Clark?

Heavily. Lewis & Clark offered me the best financial aid package, and it was the main reason I chose to come here.

How do you describe the liberal arts?

Wild!!! You know when people say, “Think outside the box?” The liberal arts challenge you to the point where you start questioning where that box even is!

Who is your mentor on campus? Why?

My boss, Andrea Salyer at the Center for Social Change and Community Involvement. She is thoughtful and genuinely cares about people, and has shown up for me in more ways than I can count, both during work and even outside of work throughout my time at L&C. I value her advice, presence, and friendship so much, and I’m immensely grateful for her.

What’s one of the best spots on campus?

It’s not a spot on campus, but the neighborhood around Lewis & Clark is one of my favorite things about the school! It’s such a beautiful area with impressive houses, making it a fun and relaxing place to take walks and runs, which I enjoy while soaking in the views and peaceful atmosphere.

How did you decide on your major?

I took the Inside/Out Prison Exchange class (TH238) with Rebecca Lingafelter in the spring of my first year, where I was the only first-year student. The class was held at the Columbia River Correctional Institution, where 15 LC undergrad students learned alongside 15 incarcerated students as peers. This experience pushed me out of my comfort zone, encouraging me to speak more while listening intently to the stories of my classmates. The class created an intimate and safe space that sparked my interest in performance and led me to consider a double major in rhetoric and media Studies (RHMS) and theatre. I decided on RHMS because it provides a pathway to many career opportunities in fields like journalism and other professions I’m interested in.

How do you feel supported as an international student at Lewis & Clark?

I’m a United World College (UWC) Davis Scholar, and L&C has many UWC alumni, who make up the majority of the international student body. Engaging with other Davis Scholars who share similar experiences gives me a strong sense of support and understanding. The International Students and Scholars Office (ISS) is also an amazing resource for international students. They are super friendly and always available to help or answer any questions international students may have.

How are you involved in the arts at L&C?

I auditioned for the Spring 2025 mainstage production of Macbeth and was cast as one of the witches, as well as two other characters. We created the play in about seven weeks under intense rehearsal schedules, with professional fight and intimacy coordination, and performed it six times! I love working with Rebecca, who was the director of the play, and I am always just in awe of her love and passion for theatre. It was fantastic to work with such an amazing and talented group of people and get a real glimpse of what professional theatre looks like.

I’m also part of the L&C Dance Collective, and this year, I was one of the choreographers for Dance Y. I was so excited about my piece and the gifted team of dancers I worked with. I love getting to share my love for dance with people and, even more, learning from their love for dance!

Hispanic Studies Rhetoric and Media Studies Theatre