Back to news
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Mail

Caldwell, N.J., April 19, 2017 – Four Caldwell University political science students attended a program at the United Nations that brings students from colleges and universities all over the world together to discuss global issues.

Padriptee Lama, Patrick Rotondo, Daniele Roca and Katherine Llangari were selected for the National Model United Nations program in New York City. The program simulates a regular U.N. session. They were selected to represent the nation of Azerbaijan and attended two General Assembly sessions.

The students were expected to come to the program prepared to solve three pressing issues relevant to the 21 simulated U.N. committees. The National Collegiate Conference Association sponsors the National Model United Nations.

Lama is a senior pursuing a bachelor’s degree in political science and international relations; Rotondo is a senior with history and political science majors and a minor in pre-law. Roca is a junior with a major in political science and minors in pre-law and business. Llangari is a junior majoring in political science with pre-law and Italian minors.

For students like Llangari who are considering careers in diplomacy, the program was a worthwhile practical experience. “NMUN taught me that no matter where you are raised, when you have to represent other people’s interests you have to sometimes put your beliefs aside and see what is best for them.” She found it gratifying that other students agreed that international cooperation is needed to affect global change. “This is good to hear because we, the future generation, know that in order to address 21st-century issues we have to collaborate with each other.”

It was also a rewarding experience to meet students from all over the world and to network with U.N. staff and volunteers. “Debating and acting very diplomatic was also an incredible feeling for those of us who are interested in pursuing a career in diplomacy,” said Llangari.

The students are members of the Political Science Club.  They were selected because they are active members of the club and engaged in their political science classes at Caldwell. Dr. Domenic Maffei, chairman of the History and Political Science Department, and the students’ advisor, said Model UN is a great program that ties in with the department’s goal of vigorously promoting the application of theory to practice. “This program exposes our students to the institutional processes of the world’s leading diplomatic organization. The skills they learn during these sessions will benefit them greatly once they graduate.”