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Model UN
History
Father Joseph J. Barr, Ph. D., then
chairman of Gannon College's political science department, founded the
Model United Nations. The International Relations Club originated
the concept of Model United Nations at Gannon University. Eleven
high schools in the Erie area participated in the event. In March
of 1954, the IRC held the first Model United Nations conference for
high school students in the Erie area. Since then the conference has
grown to include over 800 students from 50 high schools in the
tri-state area and Canada.
Father Barr believed that the UN could
bring us closer to world unity if every person has faith. For Father
Barr, the Model United Nations had two purposes. First, the Model UN
should give students the opportunity to learn more about world
problems, and in particular, to see the different viewpoints and
positions which are at work in the United Nations. Second, it
should provide experience in organization, leadership, and debate as
well as bring together college and high school students to work as a
team.
As participation increased, the
Model assembly was divided into regional blocs beginning in 1958. In 1967,
a model Security Council was added to the conference. In 1995, a
model Economic and Social Council was added. Also, as the
attendance grew, the agenda was expanded to include more topics of worldwide
interest.
Father Barr stepped down as General
Moderator in 1968. He left his project in the hands of Dr. James
Brasfield, who moderated in the 16th and 17th sessions. In 1969,
Dr. Gregor Reinhard took over the responsibility of General Moderator
for Gannon's Model United Nations. Dr. Reinhard served as the
General Moderator until 1996 when he was appointed Dean of the College
of Humanities, Business, and Education. Mr. Paul Foust was named
to replace Dr. Reinhard for the 45th annual Gannon Model United Nations,
and has served as General Moderator since.
Since
its inception, 55 Gannon students have served as Secretary General.
Among them is Dr. David Kozak, professor and chairman of Gannon's
political science department, who served as Secretary General in
1965. Hundreds more college students have served as staff
members. Approximately thirty thousand high school students have
participated as delegates over the years.
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