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National Model U.N. honors for Cal State L.A. delegation
CSULA political science class represented the Republic of Turkey
Los Angeles, CA – For the second year in a row, Cal State L.A.’s 21-student delegation garnered key awards at the annual National Model United Nations (NMUN) conference in New York.
Representing the Republic of Turkey, the Cal State L.A. delegation received the “Outstanding Position Papers” and “Distinguished Delegation” awards. Out of more than 300 colleges and universities, only 32 schools were awarded Outstanding Position Papers and 24 schools were awarded Distinguished Delegation.
The participants—all students in “Comparative Politics” (Political Science 454)—were Mona Aly, Mayra Aparicio, Christopher Aponte, David Becker, Joaquin Beltran, Kris Calnon, Luis Centeno, James Dusenberry, Tiffany Frank, Keith Gallarzo, Robert Holliday, Morgan Hunter, Laura Jaime, Benjamin Kuehnle, Sanjida Milon, Hugo Perez, Christopher Rhee, Rosa Sanchez, Juan Soto, Sasha Verma, and Katalina Villalba.
Emily Acevedo (Pomona resident), professor of the course and faculty advisor for the CSULA MUN, explained, “This is a very challenging class that requires a high level of commitment and passion from students. My teaching assistant, Mario Palencia, who was a delegate in last year’s Model United Nations class representing Cuba, was a tremendous asset for students—as he could convey his experience from that of a student delegate. I am privileged to have such dedicated students who put so much of their heart into this class. Our students represented Cal State L.A. with dignity and style, and I am honored to be their professor.”
In a diplomatic way, the students said they benefitted from the experience:
- According to Hunter (Carson resident), “MUN was so amazing and so much fun beyond all belief that I can’t find the words to describe it. I was able to meet new people from all across the world and learn the procedures of the UN. All the work and preparation done for this definitely paid off when CSULA was announced for ‘distinguished delegation’ and ‘outstanding position paper.’”
- “It was an honor,” said Soto (Los Angeles resident), “to represent our school at the NMUN. This provided all of us the opportunity to work together and bond in ways I never imagined possible. Provided the chance, I would gladly accept the role of Cal State L.A. delegate once more.”
- Rhee (Arcadia resident) said, “My experience in New York was phenomenal. The stress was high, and so was the tension within the committee sessions; yet through the whole experience, I was able to gather a true hands-on idea of what and how international diplomats get together and attempt to settle issues in the modern fashion….”
For more about the awards, refer to the “NY 2010 Awards Recipients – Sheraton” listing at http://www.nmun.org/ny_recognition.html.
Last year, Cal State L.A.’s team won three top awards. (For details, go to /univ/ppa/newsrel/modelun-award09.htm.) In 2006, the Cal State L.A. team was awarded “Distinguished Delegate” and, in 2000, earned “Honorable Mention” distinction.
The National MUN is an annual conference that provides students with the opportunity to engage in a simulation with other colleges and universities as a delegate of a nation. The conference is sponsored by the National Collegiate Conference Association. For other details, go to http://www.nmun.org/.
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