A speech given by C.A. Holeman at the Kitakyushu University English Study Society (ESS) Intensive English Training Camp in 1985 concerning the history and status of ESSs is presented in this booklet. The contents of the lecture are organized according to the following topics: history and number of ESSs, names, activities, debate, types of speeches, major speech contests, drama, discussion, strengths of ESSs, weaknesses of ESSs, attitude of members, leadership, limited tenure, United States-Japan debate gap, the future of ESSs, freshmen, and dreams for the future. The booklet includes the contents of the question and answer period following the lecture, and concludes with a speech given by C.A. Holeman at the Inauguration Ceremony of Japan Universities ESS League and his vita. (HOD)