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St. Thomas University Media Release Communications
and Media Relations |
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March 23, 2005 St. Thomas University Earns Awards at International Model UN Fredericton – Students on the St. Thomas University team were among the top performers from 51 universities at the recent Canadian International Model United Nations held in Ottawa. Twelve St. Thomas students, advised by Professor Joseph Masciulli, represented the Russian Federation and crisis committees in a series of diplomatic encounters over three days. They were evaluated on knowledge, debate effectiveness, leadership, position papers and participation and earned six delegate designations: “best” for Amanda McCordic (Elgin); “outstanding” for Eddie Oldfield (Fredericton), Jeremiah Igenu (Nigeria), and David Manuel (Oromocto); and “honorable” for Brittany Turcotte (Blackville) and Erin Crandall (Moncton). Other important contributing members of the successful team were Emily Breen (Gagetown), Colin Carruthers (Moncton), Francis McBreaty (Campbellton), Anthony Munn (Pennfield), Krystal Payne (Hillsdale), and Patti Wheatley (Charlottetown). “I couldn’t be prouder of our entire team and how well they represented their ‘country’, their university and themselves,” said Dr. Masciulli. “They worked hard for six months to prepare, and their efforts paid off as they built upon and went beyond St. Thomas’ previous award-taking performances at the model UN last year in Ottawa and in previous years at Harvard.” He noted that this forum was a very effective means of development, as students hone their reasoning, persuasion and leadership skills. Dr. Masciulli expressed gratitude for the invaluable assistance provided by Mark Barbour and Angelique Wojcik, recent graduates of St. Thomas, and the head of this year’s delegation, Erin Crandall. The St. Thomas team’s intensive preparation began in September when they began to research various diplomatic positions, prepare working papers and motions, and develop conference strategies. Organized by the United Nations Association in Canada, the model UN brought over 800 participant from Canada and more than 15 countries. Twenty diplomatic committees on issues such as UN Reform, HIV/AIDS, and Millennium Development Goals provided delegates the opportunity to discuss pressing issues currently on the international agenda. The United Nations Association in Canada aims to engage the public in the work of the United Nations. It also annually awards its prestigious Pearson Peace Medal to a Canadian who has made an outstanding contribution in the field of international service. This year the UNAC award went to General Romeo Dallaire. Each spring, St. Thomas University hosts the John Peters Humphrey Model United Nations for grade 11 and 12 students. Media Contact – Jeffrey Carleton, St. Thomas University, (506) 452-0522 or carleton@stu.ca. |
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