The Charger Blog
The University’s MUN team excelled at the conference, and students say being a part of it was an incredible opportunity to learn and grow.
December 20, 2023
The University of New Haven’s award-winning Model United Nations team recently visited Germany, where they excelled at the National Model United Nations Germany conference. They received the Outstanding Delegation award – the top team award – as well as two Outstanding Position Paper awards and an Outstanding Delegate in Committee Award.
In addition to the conference, students had the opportunity to visit historical sites in Germany, as well as to network and build important skills such as their confidence.
Directed by Chris Haynes, Ph.D., a political science, international affairs, and national security professor, the program has been generously supported by Phil Bartels ’11 Hon. and Susan Bartels, two of the University’s most generous benefactors.
Below, two Chargers reflect on their experience at the conference and in the University’s MUN program.
Since the beginning of my college career, I have been involved in the University’s Model United Nations program. Despite always being ambitious, I came to college with a lack of confidence, particularly when it came to public speaking and leadership. Even after one semester in the program, I could see all that shift.
My experience in MUN, so far, has spanned five semesters and seven conferences — two of which were in a foreign country. As I reflect on my experiences, I can confidently say that this is the most transformative program I have had the privilege of taking part in. Although taking the course multiple times may seem redundant, it is a core part of what makes the program so successful.
Unlike other classes, in which a professor — and maybe a TA — leads this course, the class is a group effort, in which returning students and head delegates help to teach us course content and edit our papers. From the start, I always felt supported by my fellow students and inspired to do better. It was primarily for this reason that I came back to this program so many times: to give back to the program that has given so much to me.
With all of this in mind, our recent conference in Germany was especially rewarding. Not only were we able to tour important historical sites in both Berlin and Erfurt, but we were able to make lifelong friends along the way. This trip, and every conference preceding it, would not have been possible without the generosity of our donors and the support and leadership of our Board of Directors.
As I finish my final year at the University, I will always be grateful for the experiences this program has allowed me to have, and the way that it has transformed me personally and professionally. This marked my fourth conference acting as our head delegate. Seeing students’ leadership skills shine during their committee sessions reminded me of why I keep coming back to the class.
Our class modeled the work of real diplomats — remaining calm and inclusive even amid difficult situations. Our success in this conference is a testament to the hard work that everyone involved in the program has put into it, and I am proud to end my final semester on such a positive note.
Participating in Model United Nations at the University of New Haven has significantly influenced both my personal development and professional growth. As a political science major, I've experienced direct personal and professional growth through conferences and coursework. The firsthand experiences, including research and trips during the Germany Conference, played a pivotal role in shaping my understanding of international relations.
During the Germany trip, we had countless tours and experiences. A prominent example would be the American Chamber of Commerce in Germany meeting. We learned information related to the real world, which gave me amazing information about my own career.
The international conference was a catalyst for personal growth and leadership development. I not only expanded my global network but also formed lasting friendships with individuals from around the world. The experience not only provided growth professionally but was also personally rewarding, creating bonds that transcend borders.
I want to express my gratitude to Dr. Haynes, Joseph Scollo, and the head delegates for their hard work and for equipping me with the skills that have shaped me into the professional I am today.
Special thanks also go to program supporters such as Phil and Susan Bartels, Carolyn Brehm, and Ambassador Richard Boucher. Your collective efforts have played a crucial role in making this program what it is. Without you all we would not have been able to be an Outstanding Delegation. I appreciate all of you for providing me with the confidence and essential skills needed for my career.
Samuel Weinmann ’24 is an international affairs major at the University of New Haven. Cameron Carre ’24 is a political science major.
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