(PHOENIX, Ariz., Dec. 14, 2004) - Phoenix College Model United Nations has certainly made a name for itself at American Model United Nations International Conferences across the country. The group continues to capture many national awards beating out colleges and universities like Arizona State University, University of Arizona, Loyola University, Drake University and more.

For the third year in a row, the PC group brought home the Best Overall Delegation Award. Additionally, delegates Reed Mettler and Saulo Alvarado received the Outstanding Delegation Award in the General Assembly for their work on The Holy See. With more than 2,000 attendees, Phoenix College Model United Nations far outpaced many of the top schools and proved that a community college should not be underestimated at a competition of this magnitude.

"This continued success really reinforces the power of the community college," said adult re-entry student and PC Model United Nations delegate, Catherine Bouvier.

Since 1987, 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.

Why is it that the Phoenix team continues to come out on top each year? Just ask any of the Phoenix College participants and they will attribute their success to three things: an undying passion for politics, a well-rounded understanding of their country and international diplomacy and Dr. Celoza's mentoring nature.

Henry Alzate Giraldo describes Dr. Celoza as a "confidence builder."

"He is an advisor who answers questions and concerns," said Giraldo. "Dr. Celoza seeks to engage the participant emotionally by finding out why the participant cares about international politics."

This year's team is quite unique in itself. Many have referred to the Phoenix College Model United Nations as its own United Nations due to the members' international ties. For example, the college delegates are from countries like Mexico, Canada, Colombia and Guatemala. Due to their international connection, they have agreed to host the next Phoenix College Model United Nations Conference in English, Spanish and French.

Delegate Bouvier has spent the last six years of her life living and traveling throughout parts of Asia and Australia with her husband and their child. As a world traveler, she describes this experience as the one that truly opened her eyes to her love for international politics.

"This was one of the most intensely thrilling experiences of my life," said Bouvier. "On average we would work 20 hours a day. It was great to meet so many other people interested in politics and global events. To know that I did well at this conference gives me the confidence to do well in life."

For four full days, it was not uncommon for the delegates to get less than three hours of sleep per night. The students were literally networking, researching and planning their next move from 7:30 a.m. to 3 a.m. This exhausting game of mental chess became an addiction to all participants.

"This entire conference was amazing and life changing," said Reed Mettler, PC delegate. "You are truly not yourself anymore…you step into something else…into character. You don't eat or sleep…you only think of The Holy See."

The winning delegation included: Saulo Alvarado, Catherine Bouvier, Henry Alzate Giraldo, Andrea Hightower, Reed Mettler, Joseph Murphy, Stephen Nalley, Theresa Pulido, and David Quintana.

"When they announced Phoenix College (as The Holy See) as Overall Best Delegation, my heart stopped," said Andrea Hightower, PC delegate. "It was an amazing feeling."

For more information on the Phoenix College Model United Nations, please call advisor, Dr. Albert Celoza at (602) 285-7185.

###