Sherman, Texas -- Students taking the Austin College Model UN course attended the National Model United Nations conference held on March 29 – April 2 in New York City.
Students in attendance were Pedro Echeverria ’26, Joshua Eckert ’27, Roman Forrest ’28, Greyson Gaworecki ’27, Jack Graman ’26, Grace Henry ’28, Gracey Kettler ’27, Ryan Laventure ’26, Ashley Lopez ’26, Renata Loyo Perez ’26, Sophia Lytle ’28, Christian McEachern ’28, Emma McLemore ’27, Peyton Nielsen ’26, Maddee Nunn ’28, Megan Pickens ’27, Lupita Reel ’26, Matteo Riccelli ’26, Kate Rossley ’26, Keelyn Salisbury ’26, Emma Sinclair ’26, Chiara Streiff ’28, and Marcela Wilmoth ’28.
This year, Austin College was assigned Chile as the country to represent. “Prior to the conference, in class, we examined Chilean historical and contemporary politics, focusing on Chilean democracy and national identity,” said Associate Professor of Political Science and Political Science Department Chair Science Dr. Audrey Flemming. “During Wednesday night sessions, our head delegates (Echeverria and Riccelli) taught students how to write position papers and the conference procedures for participation. At the conference itself, students worked in pairs on Chile’s assigned committees, working to collectively create and pass resolutions.”
The team received several awards over the weekend, including the Team Award for Distinguished Delegation, committee awards for Outstanding Delegates (selected by peers on the committee), and Best Position Paper (selected by the “officials” on the committee)—won by Austin College members participating in the UNHCR committee, Sinclair and Reel.
The conference culminated with closing ceremonies held in the real UN General Assembly Hall.
Austin College, a private national liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas, has earned a reputation for excellence in academic preparation, pre-professional foundations, committed faculty, and hands-on, adventurous learning opportunities. One of 45 schools profiled in Loren Pope’s influential book Colleges That Change Lives, Austin College boasts a welcoming community that embraces diversity and individuality, with more than 50 percent of students identifying as persons of color. The residential student body of approximately 1,300 students and an expert faculty of more than 100 educators allow an 11:1 student-faculty ratio and personalized attention. Related by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA), Austin College cultivates an inclusive atmosphere that supports students’ faith journeys regardless of religious tradition. The College, founded in 1849, is the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under original name and charter.
