Model UN is a simulation in which students gather to emulate UN proceedings and topics of discussion. The opening ceremony was held at the actual meeting place of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. HPU students were assigned to represent the Russian Federation throughout the proceedings.
HPU awards included Cara DeLoach, a senior from San Angelo, and Caleb McConnell, a senior from Burleson – Best Delegation in the General Assembly; Kerrie Ford, a senior from Houston – Best Delegate in the Security Council; Cody Perrin, a sophomore from Eastland – Best Delegate in the International Telecommunication Unit; Elizabeth Rogers, a senior from Grand Junction, Colo. – Best Delegate in the International Court of Justice; and Erik Swenson, a senior from Carrollton – Champion Debater on the Security Council. All of the HPU delegates received high praise from committee chairs and directors.
“I am extremely proud of the HPU team’s performance at the Rome Model UN Conference,” stated Dr. Justin D. Murphy, HPU’s Brand professor of history, dean of the School of Humanities and director of the Guy D. Newman Honors Academy. “It was an honor in itself to be invited to participate and to play the role of the Russian Federation. Six of our twelve students received awards, which was the most achieved by any university. I also want to thank the members of the Academy Board of Directors for their generous support which made it possible for us to attend the conference.”
Additional student participants included Camryn D’Rubio, a junior from Wallis; Kendyl Moore, a senior from Farmington, N.M.; Jason Murphy, a junior from Brownwood; Nicole Nehf, a junior from May; Ivy Nichols, a sophomore from Richardson; and Jessica Ramirez, a senior from Bangs.
The students also had a day to explore Rome, visiting sites such as the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Forum, the Catacombs and other locations around the city.
“Traveling to Rome for the HPU Model UN trip was an incredible experience,” said Cara DeLoach. “I was able to meet college students from all across Europe. Representing Russia at the conference enabled my partner and me to adopt a different perspective, especially in light of current events. After attending, I have gained more confidence in being an effective delegate and have personally benefited from the amazing cultural experience we were able to have in Italy.”
Pictured above: HPU’s Model United Nations at the Roman Pantheon: (left to right) Nicole Nehf, Cody Perrin, Camryn D’Rubio, Elizabeth Rogers, Ivy Nichols, Jessica Ramirez, Cara DeLoach, Kerrie Ford, Erik Swenson, Kendyl Moore, Jason Murphy and Caleb McConnell.
