The Department of Political Science’s Model United Nations (MUN) program participated in the Southern Regional Model United Nations (SRMUN) held virtually from March 25th – 28th. The SRMUN competition consisted of 250 competitors, representing 35 institutions, including Auburn University, University of Georgia, Mississippi State University, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and Tennessee State University. Participating students were able to debate a host of pertinent global issues, ranging from the challenges of combating the proliferation of chemically enhanced illicit drugs to expanding food security for socially excluded and marginalized groups.
At the SRMUN, Texas State swept the awards’ stage. Representing the United Mexican States, Kaela Thompson, Catching Valentinis-Dee, Joseph Bahr, and Andrea Garcia Rodriguez won ‘Outstanding Delegation’ recognition, a 1st Place Award. Representing the Russian Federation, Dalton Powell, Ana Moreno, Kaitlyn Rodriguez, Daniel Amoo, Aaron Acevado, Bridget Negrete, Marie Frere, Samuel Trusdale, Taylor Williams, and David Moncada won ‘Distinguished Delegation’ recognition, a 2nd Place Award. Beyond these team awards, Texas State students dominated the individual awards. In fact, in all but one committee that Texas State participated, Texas State students won a ‘Best Delegate’ award. Kaela Thompson won ‘Best Delegate’ in her committee, General Assembly Plenary. Catching Valentinis-Dee, Joseph Bahr, Kaitlyn Rodriguez, and Daniel Amoo won ‘Co-Best Delegate’ awards in their committee, General Assembly Fourth. Aaron Acevado and Bridget Negrete won ‘Best Delegate’ in the World Food Program – Executive Board committee. Andrea Garcia Rodriguez, Marie Frere, and Samuel Truesdale won ‘Co-Best Delegate’ awards in their committee, Commission on Narcotics and Drugs. Finally, David Moncada won ‘Best Delegate’ in his committee, the Security Council.
“My experience being part of MUN has been incredible” observed MUN President and Political Science junior Andrea Garcia Rodriguez. “MUN has given me the opportunity to meet amazing people and to learn more about international relations. I have seen personal growth in my development as a leader but also in public speaking skills MUN has been the highlight of my college experience and I’m glad I found such an amazing group here at Texas State!” Similarly, Political Science senior Joseph Bahr remarked that “the conference was really enjoyable. It was a lot of fun to get to interact with students both at Texas state and around the nation. It also provided a great educational opportunity to hone your professional communication and research skills that you wouldn’t get in the typical classroom environment. I really enjoyed it!”
The University Newsroom also published an article celebrating the MUN team, which can be viewed here.
The department is extremely proud of our team – they represented Texas State in an exemplary manner.
