Benedictine University’s Model United Nations team received the Outstanding Delegation Award at the National Model United Nations Conference in New York, according to a May 1 announcement. The award is the highest recognition a team can earn at the event.
Professor Joel Ostrow, who has led Benedictine University’s Model UN program for 27 years, said this year marked the university’s 59th participation in NMUN-New York. Ostrow praised the leadership and work ethic of this year’s delegation. The award signifies that Benedictine students successfully represented their assigned state of Georgia by delivering informed speeches and collaborating with other delegates to pass detailed resolutions.
“This award demonstrates that we were able to work together as a team and collaborate with others to get our ideas across,” said third-year delegate Afrah Zahid. Kaylee Ludwig, a second-year delegate, said, “Any sort of recognition for our program does not only benefit us, but it is a key program that has stood within our University for over 60 years now.” Ludwig added, “It shows how Benedictine as an institution throughout challenge and development has maintained this pivotal program in enhancing students’ educational experience.”
Students emphasized that BUMUN is open to all majors. Simal Mansoor, head delegate and Health Science student planning to attend medical school, credited BUMUN with helping her develop public speaking and advocacy skills. Samuel McNamara said, “Model UN is a very unique class that offers students the opportunity to push themselves both academically and socially… When they go into their respective fields, it will seem easy to advocate and understand concepts they are familiar with.” Ludwig also wrote about gaining confidence through participation.
Participants described how BUMUN transformed their abilities in public speaking, research, negotiation, teamwork, leadership, and critical thinking. Es Ronquillo shared: “However, when I got to the conference I spoke in a large committee of at least 300 people at a time. Without this class I definitely would’ve never gained…the confidence to speak in front of that many people.” Rahman Svoboda noted practical career skills gained from the experience.
The conference offered exposure beyond campus life. Umang Jain called representing Benedictine on a national stage transformative: “New York City has an energy unlike anywhere else…it was one of the best weeks of my college experience.” Sebastian Delatorre stated: “Model UN is THE event that I look forward to most… These are students that I will never forget because of the bond we had during class and conference.”
Benedictine University promotes diversity while focusing on intellectual development through its campuses in Lisle, Illinois; Mesa, Arizona; flexible degree programs; liberal arts education; Catholic heritage; and Benedictine values, according to its official website.
