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Rollins was one of 54 colleges and universities to participate in the National Model UN conference, alongside delegations from across the U.S. as well as Africa, Asia, and Europe.

Model UN is an educational simulation where students role-play delegates from countries around the world and participate in sessions modeled after real United Nations committees. The goal is to help students learn about diplomacy, international relations, and global issues through hands-on experience. The program is a natural fit for Rollins’ long tradition of emphasizing global citizenship and experiential learning.

This year, Rollins students from political science professor Mike Gunter’s Model United Nations course represented the delegations of Ecuador, Tanzania, and Greece, engaging in high-level debate on global policy issues ranging from disarmament and humanitarian assistance to indigenous rights, sustainable development, and nuclear safety. Delegates served across committees such as the General Assembly, Economic and Social Council, Security Council, International Atomic Energy Agency, United Nations Development Programme, and United Nations Environment Assembly.

“Model UN helped me develop valuable public speaking, research, and critical-thinking skills while also enhancing my understanding of complex global issues,” says Spanish and international relations double major Allie Evangelista ’26. “Working with other delegations, we fostered a positive, solution-oriented environment collectively tackling issues such as nuclear proliferation, poverty, and climate change. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to expand my knowledge as a global citizen and for the many connections I made during my time in Washington, D.C.”

Throughout the conference, students drafted resolutions, negotiated with peers from universities worldwide, and applied research and diplomacy skills. The Honorable Mention Delegation Award reflects both their substantive contributions and their ability to build consensus in a diverse, international setting.

Rollins students participating at the National Model UN included Vitalia Badarancea ’27, Zoya Bajwa ’28, Emily Barcelo ’26, Falland Delice ’27, Allie Evangelista ’26, Maria Florez ’28, Manuela Gomez Barrero ’26, Daniel Hernandez ’27, Ethan Kaufman ’27, Alli Larsen ’26, Shaya Mariji ’27, Felipe Polar ’27, Ally Spangenberg ’28, and Nicolina Totorico ’26.

“Our students demonstrated an exceptional grasp of international issues and represented Rollins with distinction,” shares Gunter, “particularly as we were one of the few schools that did not double up their student delegations on each committee. Their recognition at NMUN speaks to both their hard work and the collaborative spirit they brought to every committee.”

In addition to the official conference schedule, students enjoyed a series of experiential visits before the competition began. The Rollins delegation received a formal diplomatic briefing at the Embassy of Greece, where they met with staff to better understand Greece’s foreign policy perspectives. They also visited the Florida House, the only state embassy in D.C., and toured the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the International Spy Museum.

This spring the Model UN Club, a student organization re-established by students from Gunter’s fall 2024 Model UN class, hopes to continue this momentum while competing at the University of Florida’s fourth annual SunMUN.

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