“We have participated in AMUN since its inception,” noted John White, BSC Model United Nations program advisor. “The experience develops our students’ critical thinking skills, presentation abilities, and awareness of the world in which all of us live.” Ambassador Ahmad Kamal, former professional diplomat in Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, served as the conference’s keynote speaker.

BSC student Kevin Pruitt served as vice chair for one AMUN meeting, while Mychal Guyton assisted in computer operations at the conference, and Brandon Huffman was involved in production of the conference’s daily newspaper. BSC grad Lenna Gilliam also served as an AMUN staffer. Adrian French and Eric Woodring, members of the BSC student delegation, have been selected to join the 2006 AMUN conference staff. The BSC delegation at the 2005 conference also included Kim Watson, Christopher Majors, Deborah Majors, Susan Copolo, A.J. Carr, Rebecca Dale, John Larkin, and Gene Whitlow. “Our students served as delegates for the Congo and Rwanda during committee meetings and caucuses that took place for more than 13 hours each day,” White explained.

More than 50 students are actively involved in the MUN program at BSC, according to White. “Participation in AMUN prepares our students to work with middle school and high school students from this region when we host Model UN conferences at Bluefield State each fall and spring,” he observed. “Through this program, our students cultivate an understanding of the importance of the United Nations,” White continued. “The UN brings all nations together on common ground, calling to mind the quote, ‘I’d rather light one candle than to live in darkness for the rest of my life.’ The UN is that light.”

December 6, 2005