Alma College Model UN continues its winning streak

NAYONIKAA SINGHAAL
PHOTOGRAPHER
STAFF WRITER

3/10/2025

Alma College’s award-winning Model United Nations (MUN) team has once again proven its excellence on the national stage, securing the “Outstanding Delegation” award, the highest honor, for the 32nd consecutive year at the Midwest Model United Nations (MMUN) conference in St. Louis, Missouri. 

This prestigious event, held annually, brings together college students from across the Midwest to engage in diplomatic debates and negotiations on pressing global issues. 

This year, Alma College sent 20 students to represent the school, and in an extraordinary achievement, every single delegate won an award at the conference. The team’s performance solidified Alma’s reputation as a dominant force in collegiate Model UN, showcasing the students’ ability to think critically, negotiate effectively and craft diplomatic solutions to global challenges. 

Throughout the four-day conference, Alma’s delegates worked tirelessly to address some of the world’s most urgent issues, including climate change, aid to Palestinian refugees, the safety of journalists in conflict zones and the prevention of human trafficking. Representing different countries, students were tasked with debating and negotiating solutions that align with their assigned nations’ policies while fostering international cooperation. 

Each day, students participated in intense committee sessions from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., engaging in diplomatic discussions, drafting resolutions and navigating the complexities of international policymaking. Despite the long hours, Alma’s delegates remained dedicated to collaborating with students from other institutions, building alliances and finding innovative ways to tackle global challenges. 

Alma’s success at MMUN was no accident: it was the result of six weeks of rigorous preparation. The students dedicated countless hours to conducting in-depth research, refining public speaking skills and practicing negotiation strategies. Understanding international relations, historical contexts and country policies was crucial in ensuring that each delegate could confidently represent their assigned nation. 

The preparation process not only enhanced their knowledge of global affairs but also honed skills that will serve them well beyond the conference. Critical thinking, problem-solving, leadership and diplomacy are all valuable qualities that Alma’s MUN participants continue to develop, preparing them for future careers in law, government, international relations and beyond. 

Alma College’s MUN team has a long-standing tradition of excellence, making it the largest and most diverse Model UN team with 44 students. The 32-year streak of winning “Outstanding Delegation” at MMUN is a testament to the hard work, dedication and talent of Alma’s students and Dr. Derick Hulme, the advisor for Model UN. 

“Beyond awards and accolades, the experience of participating in Model UN leaves a lasting impact in our lives, equipping us with skills that transcend the conference. The ability to analyze complex global issues, negotiate effectively and collaborate across cultural and ideological differences prepares us to be future leaders” said Wassim Guerfali (‘27), a member of Alma College’s Model UN team. 

As Alma College’s MUN team celebrates another year of success, they look ahead to future conference in New York, eager to continue their tradition of excellence and commitment to global engagement.