By Rebecca J. Flavin, lecturer in political science and Model UN advisor

This past weekend, 11 Baylor students took part in a Model United Nations Security Council simulation at Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas. The team represented Baylor very well and earned top awards.

At the conference, there were two Security Council simulations. The first was a Contemporary Security Council discussing nuclear non-proliferation and sanctions in Iran, with Baylor students representing the nations of Australia, China and South Korea.

The second Security Council simulation was a Historical Security Council discussing events surrounding international intervention in Vietnam in 1964, with Baylor students representing China and Norway.

While the learning experience is always the most important part of these conferences, it is an honor for our students to be recognized for their excellent performance. I am delighted to announce that Baylor students claimed the top awards in every division.

Special recognition goes to Rebekah Stryker and Ryan Gerlach (both seniors in political science), who represented the Republic of Korea and won Best Delegation and Best Policy Memo in the Contemporary Security Council.

Other special recognition goes to Caleb Gunnels (junior, political science) and Eric Vining (freshman, political science), who represented China and earned Best Delegation and Best Policy Memo awards in the Historical Security Council.

Meanwhile, Laura Beth Hooper (Baylor MUN assistant head delegate and a junior in international studies) served as co-chair for the Contemporary Simulation.

The 11 students who attended the conference represented Baylor well, and I’m proud of each of them. It’s especially noteworthy that for nine of the 11 students, this was their first collegiate Model United Nations conference. Two weeks from now, 16 Baylor students will travel to New York City for the National Model United Nations conference, where we will represent Belize.

On behalf of the students, I thank the University for its support of this program, which advances our common goals under the Pro Futuris vision by educating these students for informed engagement through transformational learning experiences.

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STUDENTS IN ABOVE PHOTO:

Bottom row (L to R): Caroline Caywood (freshman, international studies), Abigail Wilson (junior, international studies), Jessica Abbey (junior, journalism), Seti Tesefay (junior, international studies) and Ryan Gerlach (senior, political science)

Top row (L to R): Laura Beth Hooper (Baylor MUN assistant head delegate and junior, international studies), Kate Farley (freshman, University Scholar), Lola Akere (sophomore, political science), Rebekah Stryker (senior, political science), Caleb Gunnels (junior, political science) and Eric Vining (freshman, political science)