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Hendrix Model UN Team Brings Home Awards from AMUN 2023

Security Council simulation actions led to humanitarian ceasefire, mirroring current events


CONWAY, Arkansas (November 28, 2023)—A team from Hendrix College attended the 2023 American Model UN (AMUN) Conference in Chicago from November 18-21, representing Bulgaria and the United Arab Emirates.

Hendrix team members won two “Exceptional Representation” awards on the two Security Council simulations: Bulgaria (Historical Security Council of 2003, represented by Alex Sumrall ’24 and Gracie Ross ’26) and the United Arab Emirates (Contemporary Security Council, represented by Leah Krueger ’26 and Lola Trouillet ’24, coordinator of the French House). 

IMG_3607 Security Council awards.png“The UAE delegation was central to the discussions in the Security Council on the ongoing war between Hamas and Israel,” said Professor of Politics Dr. Daniel Edquist-Whelan, who has directed the Hendrix Model UN program since 2008. “Their work, especially through backchannel diplomacy, led to a humanitarian cease-fire, very similar to what has actually occurred in the region.”

Hendrix was among 62 schools that brought a total of 869 students to AMUN to represent a total of 99 countries. 

Both Hendrix delegations were active throughout the conference in each of their simulations, and were the lead co-sponsors on numerous resolutions, many of which were adopted by their respective UN bodies, Edquist-Whelan said. The other simulations and the students involved were:

General Assembly Plenary

  • Connor Rennels ’25 and Malcolm Rose ’25 — Bulgaria
  • Luci Grossnickle ’26 and Kaho Yakushiji (international exchange student) — UAE

General Assembly First Committee (Disarmament & International Security)

  • Lathan Smalley ’26 — Bulgaria
  • Jordan Collins ’24 and Jakson Needham ’24 — UAE

General Assembly Second Committee (Economic & Financial Affairs)

  • Justin Smith ’24 and Ryan Torres ’23 — Bulgaria
  • Griffin Baird ’25 and Micah Moore ’23 — UAE

General Assembly Third Committee (Social, Cultural, and Humanitarian Affairs)

  • Margaret Sampson-Green ’25 and Keaton Taylor ’25 — Bulgaria
  • Isabella Ifrah ’24 and Brianna Shines ’26 — UAE

International Telecommunications Union

  • John Trieschmann ’25 — Bulgaria

About Hendrix College

Founded in 1876, Hendrix College is featured in Colleges That Change Lives: 40 Schools That Will Change the Way You Think About Colleges and celebrated among the country’s leading liberal arts colleges for academic quality, engaged learning opportunities and career preparation, vibrant campus life, and value. The Hendrix College Warriors compete in 21 NCAA Division III sports. Hendrix has been affiliated with the United Methodist Church since 1884. Learn more at www.hendrix.edu

“… Through engagement that links the classroom with the world, and a commitment to diversity, inclusion, justice, and sustainable living, the Hendrix community inspires students to lead lives of accomplishment, integrity, service, and joy.” —Hendrix College Statement of Purpose