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UT Tyler Model UN Program Recognized at National Conference

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April 4, 2016

Media Contact:  Hannah Buchanan
Editor/Writer–Strategic Communications & Media Relations
Marketing and Communications
The University of Texas at Tyler
903.539.7196 (cell)

Students from The University of Texas at Tyler Model United Nations Program, a part of the Department of Political Science and History, were recognized at this year's National Collegiate Model UN Conference in New York. In recognition of their excellence in the conference as a whole, the UT Tyler delegation, representing Madagascar, received the Distinguished Delegation Award.

This distinction is presented to the top delegations and based on continually remaining 'in character,' teamwork, leadership, speaking and negotiating abilities, knowledge of the issues and proper usage of the procedure rules.

UT Tyler students honored were Mariam Bojang of the Gambia, West Africa; Rheagan David of Amarillo, Christopher M. Nafrady of Longview, Grace M. Parker of Farmers Branch, Cassidy L. Rose of Mineola, Sherdil N. Sehgal of Gresham and Nizia Alam, Olivia A. LeVoy, Leslie Reyna and Melissa Salgado, all of Tyler.

This year, more than 5,500 students from six continents convened in New York City to participate, making this conference the largest and one of the most prestigious collegiate Model UN simulations worldwide. In order to most accurately simulate the UN the conference is proud to have participants from 130 Member States of the UN, 49 U.S. states, as well as 411 colleges and universities from 57 UN Member States.

"Among all of this diversity, the UT Tyler Model United Nations Program was able to stand out among the crowd and gain recognition for outstanding performance," said Rebecca Jackson, program coordinator.

In addition, two delegates were recognized with individual awards. Levoy and Nafrady both were recognized with the "Outstanding Position Paper" Award for their exemplary work during conference preparations. This award is based on professional writing style, ability to clearly articulate the positions of their assigned Member State and thoroughness of research over assigned topics.

Nafrady was recognized for his work on the Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons Biennial Meeting of States, which is an important meeting for Member States to review and assess the implementation and progress of the "Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects."

Levoy was recognized for the paper she wrote for the United Nations Environment Programme, which continuously works towards environmental organization within the UN system and exercises a strong influence on the global environmental agenda.

Another distinction received was by Bojang, who was hired by the conference for the week to serve as the rapporteur in the General Assembly Fourth Committee. In order to be chosen for this honorable position, Bojang completed several additional assignments before the conference, two interviews and several additional meetings before being selected.

UT Tyler has continuously sent delegations to NMUN-NY and others throughout the United States and world since 2007, when department chair Dr. Marcus Stadelmann began the program.

The university is currently recruiting for the 2016-17 academic year. For more information, contact Jackson, rjackson@uttyler.edu or visit uttyler.edu/politicalscience/mun/index.php.

One of the 14 campuses of the UT System, UT Tyler features excellence in teaching, research, artistic performance and community service. More than 80 undergraduate and graduate degrees are available at UT Tyler, which has an enrollment of more than 8,500 high-ability students. UT Tyler offers courses at its campuses in Tyler, Longview and Palestine as well as a location in Houston.