St. Petersburg College’s Model United Nations (MUN) team brought home accolades from the 2024 National Model United Nations (NMUN) DC Conference. The team won the Distinguished Award (10 students, Uruguay) and the Honorable Mention Award (8 students, Iran) at the NMUN DC 2024 conference. These are prestigious team awards.
The Uruguay delegation was in the top 14% with only 12 of 90 delegations having higher scores. The Iranian delegation was in the top 29% with only 26 of 90 delegations having higher scores.
Additionally, out of the 17 community colleges and small liberal arts colleges at the conference (73 were universities), only three institutions won the Outstanding or Distinguished team awards, and SPC was one of them. It’s impressive that SPC students primarily compete with four-year universities, and do so well against such top-notch talent.
Overall, SPC students did a magnificent job. SPC MUN faculty were inspired by their continuous advances in public speaking and research/writing. However, what most impressed us was the tenacity and perseverance they showed to overcome the challenges they faced.
As many can imagine, the two hurricanes that recently affected Pinellas County greatly impacted the preparation and work timeline for students ahead of the conference. Nonetheless, they rose to the occasion and did a magnificent job collaborating, being positive, and were a joy to work with.
SPC’s MUN faculty includes Dr. Bledar Prifti, Dr. Bill Fleming, Dr. Roberto Loureiro, Dr. Randy Lightfoot, and Professor Earl Fratus. Faculty coaches who traveled with the NMUN 2024 DC team included Professor Sonia King and Dr. Douglas Rivero. Dr. Rivero is the MUN Director and recent author of a journal article titled Sustainability Development in the Caribbean: A comparative analysis of Cuba, Dominican Republic and Jamaica. It was published by Discover Sustainability.
On Friday April 12, SPC was honored to host the annual Pinellas County Schools Model UN conference at the Clearwater Campus. Middle school and high school students from across Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough counties worked collaboratively to solve major world problems all while developing their writing, public speaking and teamwork skills.
Many thanks to the SPC Model UN team, who did the majority of the work, for serving as staff (dais), faculty volunteers, PCS teachers, SPC administration, Clearwater tech staff, Dean Smiley, Provost Griffith, Dr. Lucia Rodriguez (Sustainable Development Solutions Network) and Amy Ruggiero (Foundations for Leadership) for helping us create a wonderful learning experience for these students. Given that extracurricular activities are critical in promoting student success, may they continue to push themselves forward. In fact, perhaps some of them will be a part of SPC’s Model UN team in the future!
Conference Winners:
Faculty volunteers:
Dr. William Fleming Dr. Marietta Poshi Dr. Erika Johnson-Lewis Dr. Randy Lightfoot Dr. Gyldas Ofoulhast Dr. Bledar Prifti Dr. Sunita Kumari Dr. Amy Mormino Dr. Douglas Rivero
SPC MUN Student Volunteers:
Felix Nickel Jake Abeyta Danielle Kervin Katelyn Algarin Joshua Mannari Bryson Long Nudar Tanvir Nikki Ngo Dylan Shapiro Matthew Oliver Christy Anne Martin Hunter Hise
This past week, the Eta Nu chapter of the international honor society Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) attended Catalyst 2024, the annual conference of the society. The latter was held in Orlando at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center from April 4-7.
Like in previous years, Eta Nu’s attendance at Catalyst 2024 was made possible because of financial support from Gibbs’ Student Government Association (SGA).
In Orlando, Eta Nu was represented by Dr. Gyldas Ofoulhast, SPG Gibbs Political Science Professor, and the following student-members: Jeremy Phipps (chapter president) Brie Raisor (vice-president of fellowship); Lauren Kacinko (vice-president of finance and communication), and Azalia Marquez (regular member). Besides Eta Nu, SPC was well represented at Catalyst 2024 as other PTK chapters from the college made the journey. Indeed, our group traveled with student members Louis Parton and Emily Allen (in the picture also) from the Tau Zeta Chapter in Clearwater. Their advisor Dr. Grace Moore unfortunately could not attend the conference.
Finally, a little bit before Catalyst 2024 went underway, Eta Nu was formally recognized as one of the nine Florida Region’s 2023-24 Distinguished Chapter.
A wide variety of educational forums coupled with empowering keynote speakers
Apart from immersing themselves into various educational forums, college transfer fairs, networking with other students, and overall personal and professional development, SPC students heard from two very powerful and inspiring keynote speakers: Misty Copeland, American Ballet Theatre Principal Dancer, Philanthropist, Bestselling Author; and Evy Poumpouras, Former Secret Service Special Agent, Multimedia Journalist.
Misty Copeland talked about her life journey and challenges she overcame to become a Principal Dancer with American Ballet Theatre and the first black woman to be promoted to the position in the company’s 75-year history in 2015.
As a special agent with the Secret Service, Evy Poumpouras protected various Presidents and First Ladies, including President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, Presidents George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George H.W. Bush. Thus, she discussed various life strategies for students to deal with and conquer adversity and transform themselves into stronger, more confident, and more powerful individuals.
Overall, students appreciated the opportunity given to hear from both speakers and to attend the conference. About her experience at Catalyst 2024, one student remarked that ‘all the sessions where very helpful and informative for me, especially because with a lot of PTK scholarships and SPC scholarships being offered and opening, I was able to learn techniques and skills to apply when working on my applications.’
Another event-filled year
For Eta Nu, attending Catalyst 2024 in Orlando was the culmination of its work for the 2023-24 academic year. Indeed, during this winding academic year, Eta Nu student-members engaged in various activities in their continued quest for academic excellence and community engagement.
First, the Eta Nu year began with attendance at the PTK Florida Region’s Honors Institute in Ocala in July 2023. There, student attendees were provided with valuable information on how to professionally write essays and improve their writing skills beyond their involvement in the society’s main research projects. Second, the chapter conducted its annual induction ceremony for new members on October 20, 2023. At the Gibbs Music Center, Associate Dean for Academic services Dr Stephen Andrasik delivered encouraging remarks to student members and their loved ones in attendance. Third, a week after induction, student members attended the Florida Region’s Leadership Conference in Lakeland (October 27-29). Comingling with other Florida chapters in Lakeland, student-members learned a bit more about leadership skills and how to create sustainable and long-lasting impacting projects for the community. Fourth, student-members developed bonds among themselves and the college community throughout the year with various fellowship events, such as SPC Halloween Spooktacular in the fall.
Also, as part of its usual chapter duties, Eta Nu completed its two most important projects the College Project (CP) and Honors in Action (HIA). While student members collaborated with the Gibbs administration in the college mission and goal to become an Aspen Institute of higher learning as part of its CP, the HIA research was centered on elevating the stories of SPC First-Generation students through a campus movie night of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023).
Lastly, with Catalyst 2024 behind, the work of Eta Nu for this academic year is over. In the coming days, Eta Nu will elect a new officer team. The future of Eta Nu remains bright.
SPC’s Model UN team excelled in New York and captured the Outstanding Delegation award at the NMUN NY 2024 conference, the oldest and largest MUN simulation in the world. Over 115 teams and universities competed during Session 2, and SPC was one of 25 schools bestowed this high and prestigious designation.
For five days, our students simulated the work of the UN and worked collaboratively with students from around the world to solve major global problems, such as sustainable development, mitigating climate change, tackling security issues and advancing human rights. By doing so, students enhanced their writing, public speaking and negotiating skills.
Additionally, prior to the conference starting, our students had the opportunity to participate in tours of both the UN (Security Council and General Assembly) and the Permanent Mission of Cuba to the UN. Not only were these wonderful academic experiences, but they were also extremely helpful in preparing our students for the conference. Indeed, students were able to fine-tune their UN knowledge as well as the foreign policies of the country they were representing.
We would like to thank ISPS Director Kim Jackson, Dean Smiley, VP Liao-Troth, President Williams and the entire SPC administration for continuing to support this wonderful academic program. We can’t thank you enough! This is a powerful initiative that transforms lives.
Indeed, I would like to call your attention to the picture at the UN General Assembly (last one below). At the far right (to the right of Dr. Lightfoot), you will find three former SPC MUN students who now serve on the NMUN Staff. These include:
Chris Duggan- Pursuing an MA in Environmental Policy at American University, works at the State Department and will be the NMUN DC Secretary General (highest NMUN staff member) at the Fall 2024 DC conference.
Catherine Tomczyk- Completing her BA in Political Science at the University of New Haven and applying to graduate schools.
Chris Stansel- Completed his BA in Political Science at UF and pursuing graduate school.
This is simply amazing. As I always say, while MUN conferences advance writing and public speaking skills, greater self-confidence and the ability to cooperate, especially with those holding opposing views, are the key things that MUN students obtain.
The students and faculty who participated at the NMUN NY 2024 conference:
Jake Abeyta, IAEA (Head Delegate)
Katelyn Algarin, GA 1
Zoe Fernandez, UNDP
Allyza Flores, UNDP
Caroline Geiger, GA 3
Hunter Hise, UNEA
Shahkee Jeune, HRC
Danielle Kervin, HRC (Head Delegate)
Bryson Long, IAEA
Felix Nickel, GA 1
Angelina Mai, GA2
Joshua Mannari, UNEA
Christyanne Martin, CSW
Jordan Moore, CSW
Nikku Ngo, GA 2
Briana Perez, CSD
Mikayla Perez, CSD
Nudar Tanvir, GA 3
Dr. Randy Lightfoot, POS Faculty
Dr. Douglas Rivero, Assistant Dean
Other faculty trainers included Dr. Gyldas Ofoulhast, Dr. Roberto Loureiro, Dr. WIlliam Fleming, Professor Sonia King, Dr. Heather Roberson and Dr. Bledar Prifti.
Since its inception over a dozen years ago, SPC MUN has been very successful in bringing the college various awards and helping students grow personally and professionally. Indeed, MUN is an amazing co-curricular activity that helps develop the public speaking, research/writing and consensus-building skills of our students.
SPC MUN began its thirteenth year last week with a trip to Washington DC (November 9-13) to attend the National Model United Nations (NMUN). As a reminder, NMUN is the largest and oldest ongoing intercollegiate Model United Nations (MUN) in the world.
The 2023 Fall conference was built around the main theme of the 78th session of the General Assembly (UNGA 78): “Rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity: Accelerating action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards peace, prosperity, progress and the sustainability for all.”
In DC, SPC MUN continued its award-winning tradition as the team brought home both the Distinguished and Outstanding Delegation awards for the two countries (Denmark and Botswana respectively) they represented. The Outstanding Delegation award is attained by delegations that place in the top 10% whereas the Distinguished Delegation award is awarded to those who place in the top 10-25%.
Overall, this experience was eye-opening for our students. To be sure, one student noted, “I had a lot of great new experiences at NMUN-DC. I met a lot of awesome new people and everyone shared their contacts so that we’re able to stay in touch for the future. I got to use my public speaking skills (…) It was great and I’m really excited to take a bigger role in the group next semester”.
Visits to Danish Embassy and Capitol Hill
Before embarking on their award-winning conference performance, SPC MUN student delegates began their stay in the nation’s capital by attending a briefing at the Danish Embassy and touring Capitol Hill. The group of delegates who attended the embassy briefing was able to get direct information from Danish representatives in the U.S. about some of their foreign policy priorities, especially as it relates to the themes discussed at the conference.
One student, in particular, seemed enthralled by the experience as she indicated that she enjoyed her visit and “was able to ask questions about studying political science and policy making as well as working in foreign service”.
The other group of delegates was similarly enthused as they visited the US Capitol and learned more about the legislative process and the work of members of the US House. This tour was coordinated with the offices of US rep Kathy Castor.
Team Training & Faculty Leads
As mentioned, for this 2023 Fall conference, SPC MUN represented two countries: Denmark and Botswana.
Under the stewardship of Dr. Douglas Rivero (Lead MUN Faculty) and the rest of MUN Faculty (professors Roberto Loureiro, Bledar Prifti, Bill Fleming, Randy Lightfoot, Sonia King, Heather Robertson, and myself, Gyldas Ofoulhast-Othamot), SPC MUN delegates simulated their future participation at the conference through ten Friday afternoon hands-on activities and virtual meetings, including several zoom trainings with the University of New Haven’s MUN team.
The SPC MUN DC traveling team was led by professors Gyldas Ofoulhast-Othamot and Sonia King.
Charlotte and NYC in Spring 2024
The 2023-24 academic year for SPC MUN will resume next January. MUN Faculty will start recruiting the next two teams for the Charlotte (March 2024) and NYC (April 2024) conferences. As seen by the number of Fall applicants, MUN faculty continues to elicit tremendous interest from our students. Thus, SPC MUN is expecting another successful recruiting campaign.
Finally, it is worth mentioning that the success of SPC-MUN rests on the support of college adminstration and Dean Joseph Smiley, as well as the overall campus community. Year in and year out, SPC students have shown an eagerness and dedication to represent the college beyond its walls. SPC MUN and its faculty are continually proud of our student accomplishments and remain committed to supporting their intellectual, professional, and personal growth for years to come.
SPC’s Model UN team prevailed at NMUN NY and earned the Outstanding Delegation award. This is a coveted team award. Out of 140 schools/teams that participated, only 24 institutions received this honor. SPC topped such schools as West Virginia, Wichita State, USF, TCU, Texas Tech and Syracuse. Given that most schools are sending juniors and seniors to compete, such success is truly remarkable.
NMUN NY 2023 Team
Hunter Hise – Head Delegate
Bryson Long
Caroline Geiger
Caitlin Deal- Head Delegate
Richard Pless
Duke Panagiotis- Head Delegate
Jacob Brown
Katherine Uribe
Jonah Hoppe
Danielle Kervin
Felix Nickel
Additionally, Caroline Geiger (GA 1) won a Position Paper award. This is a very difficult award to win as only 5% of delegates in committees earn this achievement. Winning this award requires a lot of research as well as strong writing skills. What makes this even more amazing is the fact that Caroline achieved this honor on her own. Unlike the other committees, which had two delegates, Caroline was a solo delegate.
Lastly, Felix Nickel and Danielle Kervin (UNESCO) won the Outstanding Delegates in Committee award. Winning this award requires promoting inclusivity, collaboration and earning the respect of fellow delegates. Just like the Position Paper award, only 5% of committees achieved this type of award.
Overall, the NMUN NY educational simulation experience was excellent. Students engaged in high-level consensus-building, diplomacy, collaboration, research and public speaking. Some of the topics that our students debated were the Illicit Supply of Weapons to Non-State Actors, Rural Economic Development, Age-Friendly Sustainable Development, Nuclear Waste Management, Artificial Intelligence and the Rule of Law and Strengthening Action to Achieve Sustainable Development Goal #14. Altogether, each student came away a much more refined and confident student.
Our students also had the opportunity to visit the UN General Assembly and Security Council and learn more about the history, accomplishments, and missions of the various organs of the UN. They also learned about the four main pillars of the UN, which include peace and security, human rights, the rule of law and economic/social development. Another treat was having the opportunity to receive a speech from the President of the UN General Assembly (Csaba Corosi).
Finally, we would like to thank Dean Smiley and the administration for supporting this amazing program. Our students very much understand how transformative it is. From building and refining skills to making amazing friends and networking connections, Model UN is an educational experience that changes lives!
SPC’s Model United Nations (MUN) team participated at the National Model United Nations (NMUN) DC conference this past weekend, Nov. 3 – 6. As usual, our students won the Outstanding Delegation Award at the conference, which is the highest possible team award.
This is a prestigious award that is only bestowed on delegations that score in the top 10 percent. In fact, SPC’s MUN team bested the likes of TCU, Clemson, West Virginia, Baylor, BYU and the University of Texas. As such, our students went toe-to-toe with juniors and seniors at the university level and came out victorious.
Some of the categories in which delegations are measured are public speaking, research writing, diplomacy, inclusivity, and consensus-building. Ultimately, these are significant transferable skills for our students, regardless of academic major, to strengthen and polish.
For the most part, the students represented the Republic of Ireland. However, two of the 12 students did represent Portuguese Republic.
Major global topics that students discussed included the current situation in Afghanistan, global vaccine distribution, the spread of chemical and biological weapons, protecting marine habitats, sustainable development, international migration, mental health, and women’s rights. Not only did our students have the chance to learn more about these problems, but they had the opportunity to witness the various perspectives and solutions that different countries bring to the table. Given the diversity of national interests across the globe, participating in MUN opens the eyes of our students as they grasp the complexities and challenges in finding answers to these major problems.
The students who participated in the conference included:
Zhon Butterfield and Caitlin Deal (Security Council)—won best delegates in SC Ryan Dzialo and Jack Lahm (General Assembly) Jacqueline Bodon and Madison Gould (GA2) Caroline Geiger (World Health Assembly) Richard Pless and Hunter Hise (United National Environmental Assembly) Felix Nickel and Duke Panagiotis (GA2- Portugal)
Team members who led the team as Head Delegates at the conference included Zhon Butterfield, Jacqueline Bodon and Felix Nickel. According to Model UN faculty members, these team leaders were simply remarkable and some of the most hard-working head delegates that SPC’s Model UN team has ever witnessed. In fact, these delegates worked countless hours in non-faculty led meetings to prepare students, especially those who were new to Model UN.
The team also had the incredible pleasure of visiting the Embassy of Ireland. Thanks to Mr. Cathal McMorrow, who is the Communications and Culture representative for Ireland in DC, SPC’s Model UN students had the opportunity to learn more about Ireland’s foreign policy. Student asked questions regarding Ireland’s stance on the current political situation in Northern Ireland, sustainable development, international migration, and the trafficking of illicit arms. Indeed, McMorrow was very impressed with the questions that our students asked and their overall preparation.
The 2022 NMUN DC team was led by Dr. Heather Roberson and Dr. Randy Lightfoot. They each provided invaluable insights and set a positive tone during the trip. Overall, MUN Faculty members met with the students at the Clearwater campus eight times during the term. The trainings were led by Dr. Douglas Rivero, who is the Lead Faculty Advisor of the program. Additional MUN faculty members who assisted in training our students include Dr. Roberto Loureiro, Dr. Gyldas Ofoulhast, Professor Sonia King, Dr. William Fleming and Dr. Bledar Prifti.
Altogether, SPC MUN students and faculty are grateful for the support they continue to receive from the administration, the Institute for Strategic Policy Solutions, Dean Dr. Joseph Smiley and faculty colleagues! We hope to continue the legacy throughout the next conferences occurring during the 2022-2023 academic term, which include Japan and New York.
St. Petersburg College’s Model UN team continued its strong legacy of team success at last week’s virtual Model UN conference hosted by National Model United Nations (NMUN). Indeed, the team captured the prestigious Distinguished Delegation award. This award places us in the top 10 percent of all the colleges and universities that competed at the conference.
Additionally, Angela Li, one of the head delegates for our team, was honored with the Outstanding Delegate award for her work in her committee (UNECE). Altogether, our students represented Croatia, Germany and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Important Topics; Important Skills
Given the determination and resilience that it takes to get one mentally prepared and motivated to compete at an academic simulation that takes place virtually (no travel perks), we are immensely proud of our students. This enriching learning experience strengthened a variety of important skills for our students, which include public speaking, research, writing, negotiating, consensus building and diplomacy. In fact, as recently discussed by several MUN faculty members and others in the Social & Behavioral Sciences, the growth and development that we have seen in our MUN students during the last few months has been incredible. Some of the topics that our students debated at the conference include:
Climate Change & Health
Sustainable Development
Disaster Risk Reduction
The Rights of Indigenous Peoples
Establishment of a Nuclear Free Zone in the Middle East
The Illicit Trade of Small Arms
The Situation in Yemen
The Right to Privacy in the Digital Age
Combating Racism and Xenophobia
Despite the challenges of motivating our students and competing at Model UN conferences virtually, SPC’s Model UN team had an outstanding 2020-2021 academic year. During the Fall 2020 semester, our students also won the Distinguished Delegation award at the NMUN DC virtual conference and Outstanding Delegation at SRMUN Charlotte virtual conference.
A Successful Decade
Finally, it is important to note that this concludes the tenth year of Model United Nations at SPC. As the record shows, through the dedication of our students, especially veteran leaders, faculty members and our inspiring Dean, the honorable Dr. Joseph Smiley, SPC’s Model UN team has become a formidable force at MUN conferences. For instance, while there is only a 20 percent chance that a college delegation captures a team delegation at a conference, our Model UN team has won a team delegation award at 84 percent of the conferences attended. Even more, SPC’s Model UN team is on an eight-year winning streak as it has won either Outstanding, Distinguished or Honorable Mention at all NMUN conferences since 2013 and has received either the Outstanding or the Distinguished Delegation award at all NMUN conferences since 2015.
At the end of the day, six years of placing in the top 10 percent nationally is an incredible feat, especially when one considers that our students are competing against juniors and seniors from top universities across the country and the world. Therefore, a special thanks to our students and faculty, as well as Dean Smiley and SPC President Dr. Tonjua Williams for continuing to support and strengthen this amazing program.
Recognition and Thanks
Team members (and respective committees) for the Spring 2021 Model UN Team:
Nile Jordan Nickel (SC) (Head Delegate) Delaney Redmond (NPT) Jacey Cannon (GA2) Angela Li (UNECE) (Head Delegate) Alyvia Hallock (GA3) Alexandra Lanni (UNEA) Jakob Wiley (GA1) Isabel Fraley (GA3) Ashley De Oliveira (UNHCR) Chloe Bethune (UNEA) Christine Yu (UNHCR) Stephanie Duarte (HRC) Mikayla Stott (HRC) Felix Nickel (WHO)
Veteran Evan Fergenbaum also provided special assistance throughout the training/preparation phase. We appreciate it!
Faculty Members who support/train MUN students are:
Dr. Douglas Rivero Dr. Randy Lightfoot Dr. Roberto Loureiro Dr. Gyldas Ofoulhast-Othamot Dr. Bledar Prifti Dr. William Fleming
St. Petersburg College’s Model UN team traveled to Washington, DC from November 7 to November 11 to compete at the 2019 National Model UN DC conference. The team won the Outstanding Delegation award, which is the highest team award at the conference. To receive this award, a team must place in the top 3 percent. This victory comes on the heels of the team’s victory last week at the WIMUN conference in Geneva, Switzerland.
As you can imagine, MUN Faculty are beyond proud of these students. The team traveled with Dr. Randy Lightfoot, Professor of American Government at Tarpon Springs, and Dr. William Fleming, Professor of Economics at St. Pete Gibbs.
SPC’s Carson Gordon working on a Draft Resolution at NMUN DC
The team represented the Lebanese Republic and was led by Head Delegates Ashley Rutenbeck and Catherine Tomczyk. The competition involved simulating several agencies, such as the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the United Nations Environmental Assembly (UNEA) as well as several UN organs (First and Fourth Committee of the General Assembly). Carson Gordon and Isabel Arnez participated in the FAO committee. This committee dealt with topics ranging from climate change’s impact on food security to capacity building for low-income food deficit countries. Mikayla Stott and Ashley Rutenbeck represented Lebanon in the UNHCR committee. As the UN’s major agency in dealing with refugees around the world, Mikayla and Ashley worked to find long-term answers to the economic displacement of refugees. Catherine Tomcyzk and Canyon Dike were involved in the UNEA committee. This committee was responsible with finding solutions to marine plastic pollution and illegal whaling. Nassim Bentarka and Evan Fergenbaum were in GA 4 and this committee dealt with the controversial topic of Israeli political settlements in Palestinian territory. Finally, Frank Yurek and Nile Nickel Jordan represented Lebanon in GA 1 and they wrestled nuclear proliferation, one of the most important international issues today.
SPC’s MUN team visits the Office of US Rep. Gus Bilirakis
The students also had the opportunity to engage in a variety of educational excursions. They visited the office of Congressman Gus Bilirakis, several museums in DC and had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit the Embassy of Lebanon. Mr. Kamal Yakteen, who leads the staff at the embassy, provided a wide array of educational resources to our students. These included Lebanon’s stance on UN sustainable goals, land border regiments, refugees, WMD’s, the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS and much more. Finally, the students had the wonderful opportunity of meeting with Ambassador Gabriel Issa, who is Lebanon’s US ambassador. Interestingly enough, Ambassador Issa previously lived in the state of Michigan and owned several businesses in the area.
SPC’s MUN team visit the Embassy of Lebanon Front (Left to Right): Carson Gordon, Ashley Rutenbeck, Catherine Tomczyk, Isabel Arnez Middle: Nile Nickel Jordan & Canyon Dike Back: Frank Yurek, Evan Fergenbaum, Mikayla Stott, Nassim Bentarka
Ultimately, this MUN trip was another amazing educational experience for our students. They were able to continue to develop their writing, diplomacy and public speaking skills and participate in a variety of unique educational excursions. MUN Faculty members Kim Jackson, Randy Lightfoot, Bledar Prifti, Roberto Loureiro, William Fleming, Gyldas Othamot and myself, Douglas Rivero, remain extremely honored and proud of the students’ hard work and continued victories. We look forward to working with MUN students next semester. On to New York!
St. Petersburg College’s Model UN team traveled to Geneva, Switzerland from October 28 to November 3 to compete at the World Federation of United Nations Associations International Model United Nations (WIMUN) simulation. With about 80 percent of the delegates from outside the US, this is one of the most international conferences in the Model UN (MUN) universe. Overall, the team captured the Best Small Delegation award and four of the 12 individual awards at the conference.
Students Celebrating Best Small Delegation at WIMUN Geneva
What an outstanding effort by our students! The awards include one position paper award, which was awarded to Sofia Angelini; and three delegation awards attained by John Owens, Myleena Hurtado and Kerri Kendrick. In addition, Adam Johnson was one of 10 students (of the 400 total) who was chosen to deliver opening remarks at the Palais des Nations. The team traveled with me, Dr. Douglas Rivero, Chair of Social & Behavioral Sciences at Seminole/Lead MUN advisor and Dr. Kimberly Jackson, Chair of Social & Behavioral Sciences at the Downtown & Midtown campuses.
Adam Johnson delivers speech at Palais de Nations.
The competition involved simulating several agencies, such as the International Labor Organization (ILO), and UN organs (Security Council and Second Committee of the General Assembly (GA2). MUN simulations involve students engaging in interactive discussions and writing draft resolutions on a variety of major global issues. In fact, the topics at this conference included the UN Security Council working on resolutions that pertained to the Situation in the Central African Republic (CAR), specifically the renewal of CAR Sanctions Regime in order to ensure the cessation of human rights violations in the area. Catherine Tomcyck and John Owens took part in this committee and represented the countries of the USA and the Ivory Coast.
Another important UN organ, GA 2, addressed the topic of Harmony with Nature. They worked on a variety of draft resolutions that dealt with how to implement the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Sofia Angelini (Madagascar), Adam Johnson (France), Kerri Kendrick (Germany) and Cooper Hockstetler (Chile) participated in this committee.
The last committee was the International Labour Organization, and they dealt with the topic of Global Supply Chains. As such, they were tasked with working out how representatives from the national governments, employers and workers could come together to improve working conditions for workers in the less-developed world. Myleena Hurtado, Cierra Howard and Kingsley Hollon-Coleman represented the country of Mexico. As you can see, our students were intimately involved with analyzing critical matters dealing with human rights, environmental issues and social welfare.
The students also had the opportunity to visit the Palais des Nations, which is the seat of the United Nations Office in Geneva (UNOG) and the initial home of the League of Nations. Faculty members and WIMUN staff arranged for a tour on October 30 that explained to students the history and diplomacy that occurs at UNOG. Students then had an opportunity to take pictures at the UN and purchase UN items from their bookstore. Some of the major agencies that are located at UNOG include the International Labour Organization, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Human Rights Council and the World Health Organization.
Lastly, the students were able to have some fun. For example, they played chess and checkers at the famous Promenade de Bastions in Geneva. In my view, this was a perfect way for them to work out their minds prior to conference! They also visited beautiful Lake Geneva, as well as some of the great restaurants and chocolate stores in Geneva. Overall, it was a very exciting experience for many of our students, especially because many of them had never been on a plane or traveled outside the country.
Overall, this was an amazing educational experience for our students. Not only were they immersed in a variety of educational excursions, but they also had the chance further develop their writing, diplomacy and public speaking skills. Amazingly, this continues the incredible winning streak of our MUN Team. Jessica Angelini, the parent of Sofia Angelini, recognized this.
“I’m amazed at how well the SPC Model UN Team has done, even at the international level,” Angelini said. “It truly reflects on the school’s support and faculty leadership. My older daughter participates in Model UN at her university in Maryland, and despite being a larger university, they simply do not have the results that SPC does.”
Besides the parents, MUN Faculty members Douglas Rivero, Kim Jackson, Randy Lightfoot, Bledar Prifti, Roberto Loureiro, William Fleming and Gyldas Othamot are extremely honored and proud of the students’ hard work and wins.
