April 11, 2007

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Ramapo College’s Model U.N. Club Members
Awarded Honorable Mention at National Conference

Members of the United Nations Model Club with advisor Cliff Peterson.

(Mahwah) - Members of the Model United Nations Club at Ramapo College of New Jersey received a delegation honorable mention at the 2007 National Model United Nations Conference held March 18 through 24 in New York City.

Ramapo College students represented Costa Rica in the National Model United Nations (NMUN) Conference, the world’s largest university-level simulation of the United Nations.  They addressed issues such as AIDS, ecotourism, economic growth, the climate, drafted resolutions and lobbied for their passage and sometimes voted as a block with other South American countries on resolutions of mutual interest.

The NMUN Conference provides college students with the chance to mimic the actions of this worldwide council by taking on the personas of the ambassadors of the 192 member states, and tackling simulated conflicts that reflect the collaboration within the United Nations.

Dr. Clifford Peterson, professor of international politics and the advisor to the club said, “The conference was highly competitive. There were representatives from all over the world.”  He also noted that of the more than 250 clubs participating, from more than 30 countries, awards were given to about 20 delegations.  This represented the first time Ramapo College students won an award at the conference.  “You don’t get an award like this unless everyone is working and making an impact,” he added.

“We took more initiative this year,” said Tara Mastriano, of Manchester, New Jersey who served as head delegate. “We built in extra preparation time and meeting time, and planned out the topics.”  The political science major is interested in international issues and considers the Model U.N. a good educational opportunity.

President-elect Penka Nikolova of Queens, NY said, “We’ve been working hard.  It’s a team effort.” 

Ramapo College senior Nicole Jennings, of Beachwood, NJ and president of the club said, “I’ve been involved with the club since freshman year.”  It’s a fitting send-off for all of the time she’s devoted to the club to have the delegates recognized in this way.

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