Donald C. Sloan

The Donald C. Sloan Extemporaneous Speaking Contest began in 1955 with the aim to develop strong speaking skills among the young Latter-day Saints at BYU. In 1968, shortly before his passing, Brother Sloan established an endowment fund for the speech contest. He attended Brigham Young College and the University of Oregon. He served a LDS mission to the Eastern States and later served as a branch president and in the high council in Portland. He was a member of the board of trustees of Pacific University. He held national offices in the Nation Security Traders’ Association. He was a director of the National Sales executives, past primer minister of Royal Rosarians, president of the Portland Bond Traders Club as well as Portland Sales manager Club. He served as the Oregon State chairman of the American Korean Foundation and as chairman of the Portland United Nations Week.

Donald Sloan was an internationally-known public speaker and traveled the world. He met with King George VI at Buckingham Palace, King Gustav of Sweden, former Premier Pinay of France, President Rhee of Korea, the mayor of Barcelona and with heads of other major European cities. Awards given in his name help us remember the importance of developing extemporaneous speaking skills to reach out and bless our fellowman.