Seven students from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP) competed at the annual National Model United Nations (NMUN) conference in New York City.

The NMUN conference began in New York City in 1923 as a way to promote awareness and knowledge of the United Nations and international affairs. It is the largest and most prestigious of its kind in the country. More than 4,000 students from more than 275 universities spread across five continents participated. UWSP students have attended various Model UN conferences since 1996.

Serving as UWSP’s Model UN faculty adviser for the first time, Jennifer Collins, assistant professor of political science, led the delegation during spring break and was in her element as a native New Yorker.

"Accompanying UWSP’s delegation to New York City was a real privilege and thrill," said Collins. "Our students took full advantage of this exceptional opportunity to play the role of international diplomats for the nation-state of Togo. In the process, they learned more about international politics and the world while honing their advocacy and negotiation skills with some of the brightest students in the country."

Two members of the UWSP student delegation were Chinese students studying at UWSP. The delegation represented Togo on five different committees and South Africa on the UN Security Council. All UWSP student participants are members of the United Nations Student Organization (UNSO) on campus.

The student leader for the UWSP delegation was Chance Whitby of Fond du Lac, the current UNSO president and a senior majoring in political science. He and his fellow students all agree that the trip to NYC was a unique educational opportunity in which students can learn a lot that is unavailable in conventional classroom. Students heard about a myriad of issues during their committee work including hearing on energy alternatives, global drug trafficking, and more.

"This conference could not be more relevant for undergraduate students interested in global affairs. As the lead delegate, I am very proud of the time and hard work UWSP students put into preparation and subsequent participation in the NMUN," Whitby said.

Members of the UWSP delegation, by hometown, include:

Malone - Chance Whitby, Deputy Head Delegate, junior pre-law major, 2003 graduate of Fond du Lac High School