April 29, 2025 — For the first time, the Marist Model United Nations club and class have earned an Outstanding Delegation award at the National Model United Nations (NMUN) Conference in New York City. This prestigious recognition places Marist University in the top 20% of delegations at the global conference that brings together more than 2,000 students worldwide.

Twenty-eight Marist students participated in the NMUN Conference in mid-April and served as representatives of the United Kingdom during the mock exercise. Head Delegates Justice Seymour '25, Ethan Solury '26, and Dr. Juris Pupcenoks, Associate Professor of Political Science, led the team and has taught the course, called POSC 280, at Marist since introducing it in 2015. In addition to earning a top delegation honor, Marist also received two awards for excellence in position papers.

The conference is a five-day simulation of the United Nations committee system, held in two back-to-back sessions. Each session draws more than 2,000 students—most from outside the United States—to engage in diplomatic negotiations, global policy-making, and cultural exchange.

“As a senior and Head Delegate, it was incredibly rewarding to guide and mentor newer members through their first Model UN experience,” said Justice, an economics major with a minor in political science and a paralegal certificate, and President of Marist Model United Nations Club. “Having attended NMUN four times, I truly valued the opportunity to support others—whether by running simulations, assisting with research, or offering advice during the conference. It made this year’s experience especially meaningful and collaborative.”

Marist Model UN students represent Great Britain during National Model United Nations (NMUN) Conference in New York City. Photo courtesy of Dr. Juris Pupcenoks.

“Before this class, I had never done Model UN or even spoken at a conference—I was nervous but excited to challenge myself,” said Suzie Kolmel '26. “Thanks to the support of Dr. Pupcenoks, my classmates, and the Model UN Club, I went from reading off flashcards to confidently addressing a room of 200 people. It was one of the most transformative experiences I’ve had at Marist.”

Beyond the conference, the Marist delegation also visited the Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs, where students explored topics related to ethical leadership in diplomacy.

“I really enjoy watching my students grow as young professionals over the course of the semester in my Model United Nations class,” said Dr. Pupcenoks. “Students often become more confident public speakers, negotiators, researchers, and writers as they complete their preparatory work for the NMUN and through their experiences at the conference.”

“This year was especially rewarding as Head Delegate, where I not only helped prepare our 28-person delegation but also had the chance to advocate directly to National Model UN leadership on key issues like AI use and team collaboration,” added Ethan, a major in Political Science and Global Studies. “The experience pushed me to grow as a diplomatic leader, both behind the scenes and in real time at the conference.”

This milestone marks a pivotal moment for Model UN at Marist, which began in 2015 with the launch of the Model United Nations class. A student-led club followed, and the program has grown steadily ever since—culminating in this year’s well-earned global recognition.

For more about Model UN, click here.