OP FOR 40 YEARS 12,500+

1976

HIGH SCHOOL AND WINTHROP STUDENTS WHO HAVE

PARTICIPATED IN MODEL UN YEAR MODEL UN BEGAN

For many Winthrop students, participating in Model UN is a fun way to learn more about the world, build camaraderie with other students and be a part of something bigger than themselves.

Freshman Lauren Leonard, a history major from Summerville, South Carolina, joined the Model UN class because the self- described introvert wanted to “come out of her shell” while learning more about the United Nations, something she didn’t learn much about it high school.

“One of the first things we’ve learned about is the value of the United Nations and the types of work the organization does. I’ve also been able to brush up on my understanding of certain areas like Asia and Latin America,” said Leonard. “I can see why so many Winthrop alumni loved participating in the program. It’s wonderful, and I’m completely hooked.”

Alexis Gordon ’02, who earned degrees in political science and broadcast journalism, is an alumna who was hooked. She served as a college delegate and then as a member of the Secretariat, the planning body.

She found Model UN fit her perfectly. “I was a Marine Corp brat. Whenever we lived in another country, I absorbed as much as I could from the new culture. I learned the importance of foreign policy and thought this would be a great way to learn more about international relations. Model UN was a great venue for learning a role, honing my debate skills and foraying into the world of agenda setting.”

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COUNTRIES REPRESENTED AT CONFERENCE

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WINTHROP STUDENTS WHO FORM THE SECRETARIAT, THE CONFERENCE’S PLANNING BODY

Gordon credits Model UN with instilling in her the passion to pursue a master’s degree in international relations and diplomacy from the University of Leiden in the Netherlands. She uses skills honed from Model UN in her job as the international relations manager and chief of protocol for the city of Charlotte.

“I cultivate international business opportunities, maintain international connections with several levels of governments abroad and provide support to the international community living in Charlotte,” she said.

Gordon encourages others to consider Model UN because the skills learned don’t end at graduation. “After graduation it isn’t about representing Russia or Jordan, but using your skills to relate to a different point of view, communicate efficiently and negotiate. These are transferable skills when looking for jobs.”

For more information about Model UN, please visit www.winthrop.edu/modelun.

Watch the video to see Model UN participants discuss the program’s unique qualities.

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