Baylor Team Distinguishes Itself At MOAS Competition
Media contact: Lori Fogleman, director of media communications, (254) 710-6275
Baylor University's Model Organization of American States team brought home several awards while competing with other 15 universities from Texas and Mexico at the World Affairs Council of San Antonio Model Organization of American States Competition held Nov. 1-3 at St. Mary's University. This was the 11th consecutive year that Baylor competed in the conference that simulates the activities of the OAS and its committees by allowing participants to assume the roles of diplomatic representatives to the OAS.
During this year's competition, the Baylor team represented the country of Brazil. Head Delegate Alyssa Engle, a junior Latin American studies major from Park Ridge, Ill., won a Distinguished Delegate Award in the Committee for Juridical and Political Affairs, as well as the award for Distinguished Ambassador.
Krystal Dau, a junior international studies major from Las Vegas, Nev., also won a Distinguished Delegate Award in the Committee for Juridical and Political Affairs. Joshua Hyles, a senior archaeology/history major from Corsicana, was awarded a Distinguished Delegate Award for his work in the Committee for Hemispheric Security. Elizabeth Russell, a senior international/Asian studies major from Ponte Vedra, Fla., was selected to chair the Committee for Hemispheric Security.
The visit of the current Secretary General of the Organization of American States, His Excellency José Miguel Insulza, was the highlight of the competition. After his speech, the Secretary General took questions from the students about the successes and challenges that the OAS faces.
Other team members included: Xhemile Baca, a senior international studies major from Houston; Daisy Marchena, a junior international studies major from Houston; Kate Cronyn, a junior history major from Dallas; Manny Muñoz, a junior neuroscience major from San Antonio; Maureen Ndoto, a senior international studies major from Ridgeway, Ga.; Juan Olivares, a senior history major from West Columbia, Texas; and Seth Reed, a sophomore political science major from Cassville, Mo.
Dr. Joan Supplee, associate professor of history at Baylor, coached the team, with the assistance of Eva Silkwood, a graduate student in international relations from The Woodlands, Texas.
The MOAS competition employs role-playing, which allows students to gain a better understanding of the problems and complexities of the relationships among member nations and better prepares future leaders for inter-American affairs. The students act as representatives from a country in North or Latin America. An important issue is presented and small groups are formed to explore these problems in detail. Personal communication skills are enhanced by participating in the discussion and debates.
For more information, contact Joan Supplee at (254) 710-6294.