News Releases

Annual Maine Model United Nations Conference at USM

May 4 , 2005

Nearly 325 Maine high school students will descend on the University of Southern Maine's Gorham campus Tuesday, May 17, through Thursday, May 19, for the annual Maine Model United Nations Conference (MeMUNC). 

These students will prove that they are members of a global generation of teens that are concerned with more than who to ask to the prom or what they'll be doing over the summer.  They will demonstrate public speaking, debating and negotiating skills as they role play UN sessions representing their assigned nations.

Teams from Maine high schools will debate such topics as nuclear non-proleferation, child proverty, labor exploitation and early warning systems that would prevent natural disaters like the recent tsunami in the Indian Ocean.  Each team is coached by a social studies teacher from their high school.

Although the spring semester will have ended, University of Southern Maine students will chair sessions under the guidance of their Model UN advisor Lynn Kuzma, a USM assistant professor of political science.  USM senior Joshua Force says, "It is absolutely amazing to see what these student can do. Everyone could learn from their tenacious spirit and creative approach to world issues."

Conference Highlights:

Tuesday, May 17

Opening Ceremonies: 6 - 7 p.m.: Brooks Dinning Room
Session I: 7:15 - 9:45 p.m. : Bailey Hall & Brooks Center
VIP Reception: 7:15 to 9:15 p.m.: Brooks Student Center
Head Delegate Meeting: 9:45 - 10:15 p.m.: Husky Hut, Brooks Center

Wednesday, May 18

Session II: 9 a.m. - 12 noon : Bailey Hall & Brooks Center
Lunch: 12 noon - 1 p.m. : South End Dinning, Brooks Center
Session III: 1-5 p.m.: Bailey Hall & Brooks Center
Dinner: 5-6 p.m. : South End Dinning
Session IV: 6 - 8:30 : Bailey Hall

Thursday, May 19

Session V: 9 - 11:45 a.m.: Bailey Hall & Brooks Center
Banquet/Awards Ceremony: 12:15 - 2 p.m. : Brooks Dinning Room

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