Under the Arch

GANNON TO HOLD 54th ANNUAL MODEL UNITED NATIONS FRIDAY AND SATURDAY

Halting the proliferation of nuclear weapons and addressing the problem of global warming are just two of the issues that students will consider during the Gannon University Model United Nations.

The Gannon Model U.N. will be held Friday and Saturday, Nov. 10-11. Some 500 students from more than 40 high schools are expected to participate in the two-day event, the 54^th annual.

Gannon’s Model U.N. seeks to bring high school students together to address various current issues at the source of global tensions. The Model U.N. is also designed to help the students understand the complex nature of international affairs and the purpose and function of the United Nations.

In preparation for the event at Gannon University, delegations of students from participating high schools are assigned country designations and are encouraged to begin studying the issues to be debated. Students also are expected to learn the viewpoints of the government of the country they are assigned to represent.

Over the two-day event, students also will discuss, debate, and vote on the following issues:

Proliferation of nuclear weapons – In October, the United States said it would press for tough international sanctions against North Korea over that nation’s reported nuclear test. North Korea’s announcement of the test triggered widespread international condemnation, according to CNN, and only served to reinforce the importance of the issue being monitored.
The threat of global warming – Scientists have been debating whether global temperatures are rising because of a natural climate shift or because of human actions. Most believe the latter is at least a contributing factor and that such temperature changes are a significant, global issue requiring close study.
The abolition of international slavery, i.e., forced military service, prostitution, and labor bondage – According to official U.N. inquiries; it is believed that more than 20 million people internationally are enslaved. This figure only refers to individuals imprisoned as bonded laborers; the actual figure may be significantly higher when child laborers are taken into consideration. Even in many countries where such practices are prohibited, the trafficking of humans still occurs illegally.
Developing a more effective U.N. peace keeping strategy – While the official stance of the United Nations on its peacekeeping efforts is a positive one, many outside the U.N. have significant concerns. Many believe the stance of adopting a global village – a mostly Westernized version of international peace – is out of touch with reality in many parts of the world and employs tactics and strategies largely incompatible with many countries needing international aid.
Policing illegal, international drug trafficking – Literally every nation must to some degree monitor drug trafficking within its borders, making this truly an international issue. The frontrunner in the U.N.’s campaign against international drug trafficking is the formation of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
The development and sharing of alternative world energy resources – Worldwide, the consumption of natural resources rapidly is accelerating. With the emergence of energy-dependable nations like China, Brazil, and India, energy consumption, availability, and conservation are growing increasingly important. The Chinese and others are consuming energy at an alarming rate, and without a greater reliance on alternative sources such as hydro electric, wind, and solar power, some countries may double their energy consumption – and emission of greenhouse gases – over the next 20-25 years.

Each school’s delegation to the Model U.N. can include 10 regular student delegates, a member or observer to the Security Council, and an alternate delegate. Upon request of the school, second and third delegations may be assigned. Each delegation must have at least six students participating.

All participating students are eligible to apply for scholarships to Gannon University. The scholarships are awarded at the event’s general assembly and are based on participation in the Model U.N. as well as the student’s overall academic record and financial need.

In addition, awards will be presented to those delegations that distinguish themselves in representing their assigned countries.

Local schools participating (and their country designations) include East High School (Ukraine); North East High School (Poland); Mercyhurst Prep (Lithuania); Central (Belarus); Harbor Creek (Slovakia); Iroquois (Russian Federation); Cathedral Prep (Belize); Fairview (Dominican Republic); Strong Vincent (TBA); Collegiate Academy (Cuba); Villa Maria Academy (Panama); Northwestern Senior High (Haiti); General McLane (Guatemala); Cambridge Springs (Costa Rica); Titusville (Japan); Saegertown Junior-Senior High (TBA); and Meadville (TBA).

Schools from the Buffalo, Pittsburgh, and Cleveland areas also will participate.

RECENT NEWS AND HIGHLIGHTS

News of interest on and around campus...

Special thanks to Gannon colleagues for their help with external media interview requests. Lisa Wenner, associate director, Admissions, did an interview with Erica Erwin of the Erie Times-News on the importance of fall Open House. The article ran on page 1A on Sunday, Nov. 5.
Nash Library on Wednesday, Nov. 8 will host a Brown Bag lunch/discussion. The topic, books for holiday giving, will be presented by librarians Deb West, Marion Gallivan, and Lori Grossholz. They will offer suggestions on new books for holiday giving and a selection of easy-to-make crafts to decorate for Christmas. The event will be held from 12-1 p.m. in the library’s Founder’s Room.
Pie for All: This tasty, annual event will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 21 in the Waldron Center. It is sponsored by the Gannon Social Work Club. Pie can be purchased for $1 a slice or $10 for a whole pie. The Gannon Community is asked for donations of pie. Pies can be dropped off in the Waldron Center between 10:15-10:30 a.m. Personal pie pans should be labeled and picked up following the event. All proceeds will benefit the 29th annual Social Work Club Christmas Dinner and Wellness Fair, scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 2 in the Hammermill Center and Yehl Room.
Counseling Services has designated this week as Depression and Bipolar Disorders Awareness and Education Week. Counseling Services will facilitate two informational sessions on depression and bipolar disorder. The sessions will be held from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7 in PC1200, and from 2-3 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9 in the Wright Room of Waldron. Throughout the week, Counseling Services will have an informational table in PC outside the Counseling Services Office (room 1040) with handouts, stress balls, and stress cards. Counseling Services also will host informational tables on the first floor of Waldron from 6-7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 7, and from 4:30-5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 9. For more information call ext. 7680.
The university will host a number of events for International Education Week, starting with a concert by Simple Gifts at 4:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 13. The performance will be held in the Piano Lounge of Waldron.
All clubs and organizations participating in the Box City are asked to have a representative attend a 9 p.m. meeting Wednesday, Nov. 8 in the Lower Lounge. The meeting will cover the schedule for the day, rules, and other issues. For more information contact Amanda Zechman in the Center for Social Concerns at ext. 5602.

CAMPUS EVENTS

Friday-Saturday, November 10-11 – Gannon University Model United Nations: Some 500 students from more than 40 high schools are expected to participate in the two-day event, the 54^th annual. Gannon’s Model U.N. seeks to bring high school students together to address various current issues at the source of global tensions. The Model U.N. is also designed to help the students understand the complex nature of international affairs and the purpose and function of the United Nations.
Monday, November 13 – Concert by Simple Gifts: The International Student Office and International Student Association (ISA) will present the performance, to be held at 4:30 p.m. in the Piano Lounge of Waldron. Call ext. 7030 for more information.
Tuesday, November 14 – Cultural Display and Coffee and Doughnuts: Visit the new ISA office in Zurn 101A. Items for the display will be provided by the university’s international students. Snacks will be available from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Thursday, November 16 – International Coffee Hour: Join Karinna M. Vernaza, Ph.D., assistant professor of mechanical engineering, for an international coffee hour and discussion/presentation on her native Panama. The event will be held at 12 p.m. in room 341 of the Zurn Science Center.
“Our Events” is intended to serve as a random sample of campus events. For a more complete listing, refer to Eventcal.

THE PRESIDENT’S SCHEDULE

Monday, November 6 – Strategic Plan II Task Force meeting. Thursday, November 9 – Gannon University Board of Trustees’ retreat and committee meetings. Friday, November 10 – Board of Trustees’ meetings; Gannon University Model United Nations. Saturday, November 11 –Gannon University football vs. Ashland University.

PRAYER CONCERNS

Please remember all in your prayers as regretfully we announce the death of:

Georganne Curry, mother of Ruth Gehly, human resources specialist, and grandmother of Gannon student Christopher Gehly.

CURRENT BIRTHDAYS

Valerie Baker. Harry Rudge. Terrance Kizina. Elizabeth DeAngelo. John Carrig. Brigid Wilcox. Barbara Niebauer. Suzanne Sturdivant. Christine Cedzo. Robert Tarkowski, Jr. Heidi Brieger Noyes. Pamela Verity. Greg Sarbak. Bernadette Agresti. Theresa Horanic. Merri Beth Knappenberger. Galen Adams. Maj. Michael Dunlavey. Fred Showalter. Grady Smith. Christian Kramer. Susan DePaul. Laura Brown. Michael Ferralli. Kevin Beringer. Holly Jodon. Mary Beth Earll. Susan Chessario. Janis Chelko. Timothy Kuzma. Ross Jones. David Groh. Denise Schlick. Chuanhou Yang. John Lyons. Laurie Curlett. Mary Karg. Christopher Payne. Daniel Tingley.

FROM THE EDITOR

Gannon University faculty, staff, and administrators: As an employee newsletter, Under the Arch is your publication. The goal is for Under the Arch to be a complete resource for you: a place where you can stay up to date on everything happening on campus: events, news related to the university and its employees, important announcements, etc. Your help is needed to make Under the Arch as effective as possible. Please notify us of any news, specific to you or your department, that would be of interest to the Gannon Community. For example, if you attend a conference, present a paper, complete work on an advanced degree, or have any other news to share with your colleagues, please send it to Nick Pronko, media relations officer. Submissions can be e-mailed to pronko001@gannon.edu. To be included in a forthcoming Monday edition, information should be submitted by the preceding Thursday. Look forward to hearing from you!