(Photo credit: American Model United Nations www.amun.org)

(PHOENIX, Ariz., Dec. 17, 2003) – Phoenix College, one of only three community colleges throughout the country in attendance, far outpaced many four-year colleges and universities including Grinnell, Loyola, Georgetown and Drake at the American Model United Nations Conference in Chicago. With more than 2,000 attendees and 135 delegations, the Phoenix College Model United Nations Team captured the most prestigious of awards.

Continuing on with its tradition of excellence, this year’steam of eight took home three awards: Best Overall Delegation and two awards for Outstanding Delegation in First and Second Committees. Since 1987, the Phoenix College Model United Nations has excelled above and beyond its counterparts at Harvard, Northwestern, Texas A&M and George Mason, just to name a few, to bring home national awards.

Although this year’s team members aspire to pursue different careers after graduation – from the United States President to a special education teacher – each member has a personal interest in international politics and diplomacy. These members include Matt Lauer, Carlos Espinoza, Gileaña Raheem, David Valdez, Jennifer Gartner, Henry Alzate Giraldo, Alan Heckman and Mary Stephens.

Ranging from political science majors to first-time political science college students, the team instantly connected to form a very unique bond. This connection, in which all team members believe that Phoenix College Model United Nations advisor, Dr. Albert Celoza was responsible for, contributed to the success of the team.

"Dr. Celoza is an incredible judge of talent," said team member, Matt Lauer. "He knows how to put together an incredible team of individuals that mesh so well. As a team, we have so much respect for Dr. Celoza, and so we strive for the best for him and for ourselves. He gives us so much motivation and respect, he is a wonderful leader."

At the conference, Phoenix College represented the nation of East Timor, an Asian country that recently attained its independence. Although many team members began this adventure knowing very little if anything about this country, they came out of this experience as East Timor experts.

"This event was a powerful learning experience," said Dr. Albert Celoza, Phoenix College liberal arts instructor and Model UN advisor. "Beyond merely understanding the workings of the UN, our team learned the importance of research, writing, critical thinking, public speaking and diplomacy."

Phoenix College will host its next Model United Nations conference February 27-28. The conference is open to community members, high school and college students.

For more information about the Phoenix College Model United Nations Team or upcoming Model United Nations events, please call (602) 285-7185.

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