July 2, 2026

by Lauren Ferguson

A delegation of Roadrunners spent a week representing the country of Sudan at the 2026 National Model United Nations New York Conference – ultimately earning honors for its leadership and diplomatic values.

The group was made up of 11 Ramapo College of New Jersey scholars with majors such as Political Science, International Studies, Law and Society, Marketing and History.

“The students’ active engagement in UN committees, professionalism and diplomatic values, and their proper use of the rules of procedures to facilitate the effective proceedings of committee and debate have won them an Honorable Mention Delegation Award,” explained Professor of Political Science Dr. Dean Chen, advisor to Ramapo’s successful Model UN program.

Chen said earning the Honorable Mention Delegation Award is equivalent to a bronze medal in a large national conference. With more than 250 universities participating, only about 35 to 40 schools are awarded this recognition, he explained.

Roadrunners said the experience was incredibly rewarding.

“Earning an Honorable Mention Award was so rewarding as it meant that all our hard work and preparation for the conference was being recognized… Seeing Ramapo College written inside the UN building felt really special as it showed just how capable we truly are as Ramapo students,” said Law and Society Major Kristina Kostoski ’28.

Kostoski, of Saddle Brook, NJ, said being a part of Model UN taught her about teamwork and stepping outside of her comfort zone. Likewise, Political Science Major Evelyn Santangelo ’27 said Model UN has helped her become a stronger speaker and a more confident leader.

“I learned how to collaborate with people who were more passionate about different ideas and how to effectively work with them to compromise,” explained Santangelo, of Bloomingdale, NJ.

Ramapo College of New Jersey’s Model UN team earned an Honorable Mention Delegation Award at the 2026 National Model United Nations New York Conference.

Ramapo’s Model UN program provides students with an opportunity to act as UN ambassadors and learn about international diplomacy. Scholars prepare speeches, debate, develop resolutions and negotiate to address problems affecting citizens of the world.

During the New York conference held in April, the Ramapo delegation was assigned to committees that delved into topics such as:

• Strengthening International Cooperation in Counter-Terrorism Efforts;
• Strengthening Global Supply Chains to Promote Food Security;
• Promoting the Rights of Women and Girls in the Aftermath of Conflict;
• Establishment of a Nuclear Weapon Free Zone in the Middle East; and 
• The Provision of Sustainable Housing and Settlement for Refugees.

In a letter to the delegates, faculty advisors and guests, the leaders of the conference wrote: “We believe this immersive experience will empower you to collaborate with one another, challenge the status quo, and inspire meaningful contributions to solving some of the international community’s toughest challenges”

Roadrunners excelled at the mission.

“These students spent the week in intensive sessions, negotiating on behalf of their assigned state (Sudan), forging bonds with one another while developing their analytical and negotiation skills,” said Professor of Political Science and International Studies Dr. Rebecca Root. “We in Political Science and International Studies are terribly proud of them.”

The Roadrunners who prepared for and participated in the conference, ultimately earning the Honorable Mention Delegation Award are:

• Delegation Co-President Tyler O’Connor-DiLello ’27, a Political Science major from Ocean, NJ;
• Delegation Co-President James Pascal ’26, an International Studies and Political Science major from Passaic, NJ;
• Adrian Burch ’27, a Marketing major from Flemington, NJ;
• Jesse Cardoza ’27, a History major from Union Beach, NJ;
• Kristina Kostoski ’28, a Law and Society major from Saddle Brook, NJ;
• Jalen Lacy ’29, an International Studies major from Ridgefield Park, NJ;
• Sajid Mohammed ’27, a Political Science major from Bloomfield, NJ;
• Kevin Pulla-Tenesaca ’26, an International Studies major from Hackensack, NJ;
• Annabel Ramos ’29, an International Studies major from Howell, NJ;
• Evelyn Santangelo ’27, a Political Science major Bloomingdale, NJ; and
• Matthew Webb ’28, a History major from Norwood, NJ.