Lone Star College students excel at National Model United Nations Conference

HOUSTON, TX -- The Lone Star College Honors and International Education students represented the Andorra and San Marino nations at the National Model United Nations (NMUN) Conference. The students’ hard work paid off, earning them two Outstanding Delegation awards at the annual convention held in New York.

“Lone Star College System and The Honors and International Education program are extremely proud of these talented students who collaborated extensively on various research projects that they presented at the conference, earning them two outstanding awards,” said Casey Garcia, LSC-North Harris speech and humanities professor and team leader for LSC’s NMUN delegation.

This is the first year that LSCS represented two countries at the NMUN Conference. In fall 2024, the students researched, studied and developed possible solutions to address issues impacting the European countries, including safe drinking water and sanitation in Andorra and economic inequality in San Marino. They showcased their ideas at the convention, which honed their skills in diplomacy, negotiation, critical thinking, compromise, public speaking, policy writing and research. Ultimately, the students used their communication skills to champion resolutions that would best benefit their respective countries.

“Joining National Model United Nations allowed me to dip my toes into diplomacy, where I learned how to push past my limits and grow exponentially as a speaker, leader and collaborator,” said Eleanor Buchan, LSC-Kingwood alumna (then student). “I’ve discovered that I want to pursue a career where I work with others to problem solve, lead and present my findings on important issues.”

The National Model United Nations aims to promote understanding of the U.N. and global issues while positively influencing student delegates. The Outstanding Delegation award demonstrates the LSC delegation's ability to represent their assigned countries, participate actively in committees and follow the proper rules of procedure for diplomatic exchange.

“It is not surprising that these students excelled at this year’s National Model United Nations Conference. They worked tirelessly on various research projects, developing lesson plans and providing peer support and coaching,” said Katharine Caruso, Ph.D., LSC associate vice chancellor, Honors and International Education. “These students will never forget working with peers and leaders worldwide and presenting their year-long work from the floor of the United Nations in New York.”

In addition to receiving two Outstanding Delegations awards, LSC Honors College students were also recognized in the following categories:

Outstanding Delegates in Committee:

• Andrea León Justinek, LSC-Tomball
• Lanz Caballero, LSC-Montgomery
• Mia Pierson, LSC-Montgomery
• Frank Atienza Coronado, LSC-Tomball

Outstanding Position Paper in Committee:

• Eleanor Buchan, LSC-Kingwood
• Tobias Van Den Berg, LSC-Montgomery
• Andrea León Justinek, LSC-Tomball
• Lanz Caballero, LSC-Montgomery
• Leyli Gurbanova, LSC-Montgomery
• Raahim Shahzad, LSC-University Park
• Jimena Marin Duenas, LSC-Tomball
• Alexander Jefferson, LSC-University Park
• Ghaniya Baig, LSC-University Park
• Maris Bouché, LSC-Montgomery

“Participating in this year’s National Model United Nations Conference through real-time situations and group work molded me into a person invested in the global community and the state of the world we live in today and in the future,” said Mia Pierson, LSC-Montgomery alumna (then student).

The LSC Honors and International Office wants to acknowledge the unwavering support of the LSC faculty coaches who worked with the students:

• Casey Garcia, LSC-North Harris speech professor and dedicated eight-year veteran who led the fall preparations with precision and heart;
• Sean Tiffee, LSC-Tomball speech professor whose NMUN coaching legacy began in 2013 and
• Becky Howard, Ph.D., LSC-Montgomery history professor known for her deep historical insights and expert logistical coordination.

“These outstanding LSC faculty members’ commitment to mentorship continues to shape not only our students’ conference experience but also their lasting admiration and growth beyond the event,” said Caruso.

The National Model United Nations is the world's largest and oldest ongoing university-level Model U.N. program. This year, the LSCS delegation worked with students from over 120 countries on pressing issues, including climate change, human rights and global security. Learn more at NMUN.org.