Mayor Proclamation/Commendation Request
Aug 27, 2019
submission
#42
Proclamation/Commendation Request
CONTACT INFORMATION
| First Name | Anjali |
| Last Name | --- |
| Address | --- |
| Phone Number | --- |
| Email Address | [email protected] |
PROCLAMATION DETAILS
| Subject of Proclamation or Commendation | Gannon University Model UN Conference |
| Background or description of person or organization | Father Joseph J. Barr, Ph.D., then chairman of Gannon College’s Political Science Department, founded the Model United Nations. The concept of Model United Nations at Gannon University was originated by the International Relations Club. Eleven high schools in the 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 700 students from 50 high schools in the tri-state area. Father Barr believed that the UN can bring us closer to world unity if every person has faith. For Father Barr, the Model United Nations had two purposes. First, the Model U.N. 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 bringing 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. In 2012, Gannon introduced a Model Historical Security Council. Also, as the attendance grew, the agenda was expanded to include more topics of world-wide interest. Father Barr stepped down as General Moderator in 1968. He left his project in the hands of Dr. James Brasfield, who moderated 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, until he retired in 2011. Dr. Anjali Sahay was appointed to replace him, and continues to serve as the General Moderator today. |
| Description of program, initiative, or accomplishment | Since its inception 53 college students have served as Model UN Secretary-General and hundreds more as staff members. Approximately thirty thousand high school students have participated as delegates over the years. |
| Explanation of how this person or organization impacts the Erie community | The presence of a conference on this scale impacts the community by raising awareness of these causes among high schools and their Erie community in general. |
| Date to appear in proclamation or commendation | November 8th |
| Date proclamation or commendation is needed | 2019-11-07 |
Proclamation/Commendation Status
| Instructions for receiving printed proclamation or commendation | Proclamation and delivery complete. |