National Model UN Winning Streak Reaches 15 Years
Alma College’s winning streak at the National Model United Nations Conference in New York City has extended to 15 years.
Competing April 17-21, Alma College teams representing the countries of Libya and Tuvalu received “outstanding delegation” recognition, the highest award at the conference. It is the 15th consecutive year in which Alma College teams have received one or more of the top awards.
Alma College has now won 28 “outstanding delegation” awards — the most of any college or university in the 88-year history of the conference.
Alma's Model UN students in New York City
“Representing Libya was one of the most challenging assignments to have and the most difficult to navigate," said Derick Hulme, Alma's Model UN faculty advisor. "Teams representing the other countries were hesitant to interact with us. So it called on all of our students’ preparation and diplomatic skills, and they did an excellent job.
“Tuvalu, a small island nation of about 10,000 people, also was a challenging assignment," he said. "The China delegation engaged in a campaign to isolate Tuvalu because it recognizes Taiwan and not China. Both the Libya and Tuvalu delegations did incredible jobs in challenging circumstances.”
The national conference in New York is the largest and most prestigious collegiate Model UN competition in the world, with more than 5,000 students competing from 29 countries on five continents.
Model UN simulates actual UN bodies addressing the most diverse range of current international issues. Teams of college students take on identities of countries, and delegates from each country meet in committee to propose, discuss and debate topics. Once resolutions are completed in committee, they are presented to the Model UN replication of the UN General Assembly to be further debated before the assembly votes on resolutions.
Materials produced by the students are forwarded to the actual UN organization for their consideration.
Professor Hulme converses with team member Lauren Shaw.
Representing the Delegation of Libya:
Kelsey Allen, Bay City sophomore
Andrew Burdick, Milford senior
Nicole Bursach, Greenville junior
Spencer Caldwell-McMillan, Haslett senior
Alaina Dague, Lake sophomore
Jonathon Haley, Harrison sophomore
Hunter Hill, Midland junior
Michelle Jerezano, Tegucigalpa, Honduras, freshman
Gwenevere Mueller, Kentwood freshman
Madeleine Randolet, Midland sophomore
Chloe Secor, Clinton Township freshman
Mason Warling, Ann Arbor freshman
Kyla Wojtas, Macomb senior
Ashley Yuill, Midland sophomore
Joshua Zeitler, Eaton Rapids freshman
Representing the Delegation of Tuvalu:
Christopher Bilski, Lowell sophomore
Chelsea Clark, Coopersville senior
Katie Gordon, Muskegon sophomore
Grant Isley, Midland sophomore
Rebekah Miller, Saginaw freshman
Allison Oswald, Ypsilanti senior
Lauren Shaw, Saginaw senior
Elizabeth Wayne, St. Clair sophomore
Ryan Zavacky, St. Joseph freshman
Posted: Mon, April 25th, 2011 at 1:34PM
