by Kaylee Guetter, Student Writer
International diplomacy is an exercise in tenacity and tact — qualities displayed by ’s Model United Nations team, which received the Outstanding Delegation honor in the Model U.N. international competition in New York City. The closing ceremony was held at the United National General Assembly hall.
The Model U.N. event is an educational simulation where college students represent a United Nations member state. The students presented papers, drafted resolutions and served on committees as they attempted to solve relevant issues for their assigned country. Cedarville represented Myanmar, a country in Southeast Asia.
Dr. Glen Duerr, chair of the department and professor of international studies at Cedarville, said, “Model U.N. is unique because, in order to win, students must collaborate and negotiate with their competitors.”
Model U.N. requires long hours and demanding work during the five days in New York and in the weeks leading up to the event. In preparation, students researched Myanmar, authored papers on the country’s positions and prepared to mimic their real U.N. diplomatic presence in the General Assembly and various other U.N. committees.
Individually, several Cedarville students were recognized for their work. Abigail Reiter, a senior communication major from Cedarville, and Hugo Cerrato, freshman international studies major from Honduras, were presented with the Outstanding Delegation honor as voted by their committee peers. This award acknowledges individuals who demonstrated exceptional diplomacy, negotiation and leadership skills throughout the conference.
“Being part of Model UN allows me to immerse myself in global issues, understand diverse perspectives, and develop crucial negotiation and public speaking skills.” Said Cerrato. “As an aspiring diplomat, I see Model U.N. as an invaluable opportunity to gain practical experience in international relations and diplomacy, which will be essential for my future career.”
In addition to Reiter and Cerrato, team members include senior major Arno Sandoval (Eureka, Missouri) and co-captain Erin White, and history, (Cohocton, New York).
Juniors on the team include political science majors Eric Spisz (Ellicott City, Maryland), Hunter Yount (Denver, North Carolina), Caleb Seavey (Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey), Seth Hines (Camillus, New York), Bradford Hoffman (Morgantown, Pennsylvania), Erin Mitchell (Roy, Washington) and Abigail German (Nicholasville, Kentucky). Junior co-captains are Ann Muñoz, major (Dominican Republic), and major Esther Ramireddy (United Arab Emirates).
Sophomore members were international studies major Jacob Zang (London, Ohio) and Vera Shegay, international studies and political science major (Kazakhstan).
Located in southwest Ohio, is a Baptist university with programs in arts, sciences, and professional programs, and programs. With an enrollment of 5,456 students in 175 areas of study, Cedarville is one of the largest private universities in Ohio and is recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, including its BA in political science, and high graduation and retention rates. For more information about the University, visit .