ALMA — The Alma College Model United Nations team once again demonstrated why it is regarded as one of the premier undergraduate Model UN programs in the country, earning the highest honors at the Midwest Model United Nations conference, held Feb. 18-21 in St. Louis.

Model UN at Alma is more than a competition — it is a transformational academic experience. Offered as a winter semester political science course, Model UN is open to students of all majors. Many students join as first-years and remain active all four years, developing advanced skills in diplomacy, research and leadership.

Each year, Alma’s team — often as large as 50 students — brings together one of the most globally diverse delegations in collegiate Model UN. Students represent countries and non-governmental organizations while tackling complex, real-world issues such as climate change, global public health threats, armed conflict and international trade. Through intensive preparation and live committee simulations, they learn to negotiate effectively, analyze issues from multiple perspectives and appreciate the critical importance of international cooperation.

The experience extends well beyond the classroom. Alma students travel to compete at regional and national conferences, including the Midwest competition in St. Louis and the National Model United Nations conference in New York City — with all travel costs covered by the college. During the New York conference, students spend a day inside United Nations headquarters, interacting directly with UN officials and international experts while participating in committee sessions.

The program’s impact is evident in the success of its graduates. Alma Model UN alumni have earned some of the world’s most prestigious scholarships, including the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, Fulbright Scholarship and Harry S. Truman Scholarship. Many continue their education at leading law, medical and graduate schools such as Harvard University, Stanford University, Yale University, University of Oxford, University of Cambridge and Johns Hopkins University.

The Model UN team performed exceptionally well at the Midwest Model UN conference, led by talented veterans and one of the finest groups of first-time Model UNers in recent memory, said Derick “Sandy” Hulme, Arthur L. Russell Professor of Political Science and Model UN adviser. The team is very excited about the upcoming National Model UN conference in New York!

That tradition of excellence was on full display in St. Louis.

Competing against colleges and universities from throughout the Midwest, Alma earned three Outstanding Delegation awards — the highest recognition presented at the conference. The achievement marks the 33rd consecutive year the team has received at least one Outstanding honor and represents the program’s 63rd, 64th and 65th Outstanding Delegation awards since 1994.

Alma students earned Outstanding Delegation honors representing the countries of Chad, Guatemala and Papua New Guinea.

Outstanding Delegation (Chad):

Outstanding Delegation (Guatemala):

  • JJ Bizon
  • Widad Hajji
  • Natalie Harning
  • Hafsa Outalb
  • Isaac Oyet
  • Morris Pengel
  • Gabe Roof
  • Ethan Shroat

Outstanding Delegation (Papua New Guinea):

  • Alex Detterman
  • Mallory Fenskie
  • Ali Kohn
  • Carlos Pena Rivera
  • Nayonikaa Singhaal
  • Madesyn Wheaton

In addition, the following students were recognized individually as “Outstanding Delegates”:

  • Chloe Anderson
  • Madeleine Hicks
  • Sophie Lynch
  • Filippos Mourikis
  • Kenley Riley