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The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh's Model United Nations (MUN) team received the "Outstanding Delegation" award at the National Model United Nations conference held in New York City. The team represented the United Republic of Tanzania during the four-day event, engaging in discussions on various international issues.

Tracy Slagter, a political science professor, expressed satisfaction and relief following the event. "We have had a wonderful conference, and the MUN team is happy (and exhausted) after four days of representing the United Republic of Tanzania on issues ranging from chemical weapons to biodiversity in food systems," Slagter said. Slagter co-advises the team alongside Angela Subulwa, a professor of International and Global Studies.

The UW-Oshkosh team did not just win the overall team award; it also saw individual successes. Student delegates Vladyslav Plyaka and Mollie Salzman in the General Assembly First Committee won a position paper award, while the team of Elaina Swafford and Maritssa Ortiz-Young in the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) secured both a position paper award and an Outstanding Delegates in Committee peer award.

"We are very proud of them all," Slagter stated, emphasizing the accomplishment.

Ed Martini, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, also lauded the team's achievement. "UWO’s Model UN team continues to shine a bright light on the university wherever it goes," he mentioned, adding that the program's legacy is remarkable. Martini highlighted the significant role of faculty advisors in the team's continuous success at national competitions, underscoring the educational opportunities available at UW-Oshkosh.

The team was composed of student delegates across various committees, including the General Assembly First, Second, and Third Committees; the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons; UNESCO; and others. Team preparation was notably influenced by the efforts of Mason Sada, who played a key role.

Support for the team comes from the Provost’s Office and the UW-Oshkosh Foundation. Slagter acknowledged the backing received. "We would not be successful without the university behind us," she remarked, thanking the faculty and staff for facilitating the students' participation despite their absence from classes during the conference week.

For more information about the UW-Oshkosh Model United Nations program and its achievements, interested individuals are encouraged to reach out.