High School Students Come Together to Form Model United Nations on April 2-4

March 31, 2008

ROCK HILL, S.C. – High school students from the Carolinas and Alabama will visit the Winthrop University campus this week to participate in the 32nd annual Model United Nations conference. Representatives from 34 high schools will focus on this year’s theme of “Securing the World of Tomorrow Today” during the April 2-4 event.

Edward Brynn, a professor of history at UNC Charlotte, will deliver the keynote address during the opening session on April 2 at 7 p.m. in Tillman Auditorium. A former ambassador to Burkina Faso and Ghana, Byrnn has worked with the Foreign Service and has served as diplomat in residence at the Air Force Academy. Other scheduled events include speakers Dave Pretty, assistant professor of history; Jennifer Disney, associate professor of political science; and Frank Ardaiolo, vice president for student life.

Model United Nations pairs Winthrop students enrolled in PLSC 260 with teams of high school students to represent each of the 65 nations. The three-day conference is planned by a select group of Winthrop students known as the Secretariat. This year’s Secretariat is led by student coordinators Ashley Burnside and Angela McCray, with Alena James acting as secretary general.

Begun in the spring of 1977, Model United Nations has been a consistent presence on Winthrop’s campus. For more information, contact Chris Van Aller, faculty advisor and associate professor of political science at 803/323-4667 or learn more from the Web site at www.winthrop.edu/modelun.