(Orange, CA) —For the first time in the history of Santiago Canyon College’s (SCC) Model United Nations (MUN) program, student participants recently captured the Outstanding Delegation Award at the National Model United Nations (NMUN) Model U.N. conference in New York.
The team, which represented Bolivia and won the same award last year at the Washington, D.C. conference, brought the top honor back to SCC, along with five position paper wins and a committee award.
“NMUN-NY was a transformative experience that allowed me to expand my views on world issues and concerns,” said SCC student Tatiana Perkins of Orange, who won her position paper for Commission for Social Development (CSocD). “The conference gave me the opportunity to step into the role of a leader and activist where I felt I could make a true impact on people’s lives globally.”
More than 2,500 students from approximately 100 colleges and universities, more than half of which were from countries outside the United States, represented United Nations member states to discuss current global issues in a real-world context. In addition to participating in 23 simulated U.N. committees, students had the opportunity to hear former U.N. assistant secretary-general Gillian Sorensen and U.N. under-secretary-general for global communications Alison Smale speak, as well as to listen to speaker panels on transforming multilateral diplomacy, media, what it’s like inside the U.N., the global refugee crisis and climate change.
“It was an honor representing SCC at a conference with students from all over the world,” said team member Joseph B. Rivero of La Habra. “Going to New York and getting temporary security clearance to visit the United Nations General Assembly and walking on the same stomping grounds as actual diplomats is a once in a lifetime opportunity which I will never forget.”
SCC’s awards include:
Outstanding Delegation, Bolivia
Outstanding Delegates in Committee, General Assembly Fifth Committee
Lily Sanz of Orange and Austin Perry of Fullerton
Outstanding Paper in Commission for Social Development (CSocD)
Perkins and Steven Cortez of Santa Ana
Outstanding Paper in General Assembly Second Committee
Elisa Hernandez of Orange and David Jimenez of Riverside
Outstanding Paper in Human Rights Council (HRC)
Amna Siddiqui of Orange and Rafiya Naqvi of Yorba Linda
Outstanding Paper in Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)
Michael Sanducci of Lake Forest and Mierna Hagehassan of Orange
Outstanding Paper in United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA)
Yasmine Lahdab and Aysha Hall, both from Orange
SCC’s Model United Nations program is advised by assistant professor of political science Cale Crammer and professor of English Roberta Tragarz. Additional team members include: Abril Acosta of Anaheim, Melanie Corzantes of Eastvale, Jesus Diego of Santa Ana, Alexis Evans of Yorba Linda, Adrian Garcia of Corona, Shellsea Lomeli of Placentia, Nicholas Martinez of Tustin, Sung Won Moon of Irvine, Kazim Shah of Anaheim, Amy Ulwelling of Orange and Jonathan Shim of Anaheim.
“Model United Nations has become the cornerstone of my college experience,” said Cortez, who serves as the team president. “Beyond strengthening my research and public speaking skills, I’ve made countless memories and created lasting friendships with many of my peers.”
Since 1982, NMUN has been a recognized non-governmental organization associated with the United Nations Department of Public Information and a member of the U.N. Academic Impact since 2013. Students participating simulate the U.N. General Assembly, U.N. Security Council, or other multilateral body, and are projected into the world of diplomacy and negotiation. They prepare draft resolutions, plot strategy, negotiate with supporters and adversaries, resolve conflicts and navigate the U.N.’s rules of procedure. Annual conferences have been held every year since 1927, with the exception of 1945 when World War II travel restrictions prevented the group from meeting. In previous years, SCC students have represented Angola, Equatorial Guinea, Austria and South Africa.
About Santiago Canyon College
Santiago Canyon College (SCC) serves more than 17,000 credit and noncredit students each semester. In 2017, SCC was ranked #13 among the 50 Best Community Colleges in the U.S. by College Choice, a leading authority in college and university rankings and resources. The college prepares students for transfer to four-year institutions and careers, and provides courses for personal and professional development, as well as customized training for business and industry. The college is recognized for its adult education program which keeps the working adult - and senior - in mind by offering flexible schedules, and community locations. Serving the residents of Anaheim Hills, Orange, Tustin, and Villa Park, SCC is one of two comprehensive colleges under the auspices of the Rancho Santiago Community College District.
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