College of Liberal Arts
Kat Reichert, CLA Public Information OfficeFebruary 9, 2026cla-pio@alaska.edu
In early November 2025, members of the University of Alaska Fairbanks Model United Nations club traveled to Anchorage to test their research, diplomacy and debate skills against peers from across the state. They returned with multiple Outstanding Delegate awards and renewed confidence in the future of a program students have worked hard to rebuild.
At the annual Model UN of Alaska conference, hosted Nov. 7 at the University of Alaska Anchorage, delegates tackled this year’s theme, “Law and Order Across Borders.” Students stepped into the roles of diplomats representing countries in a range of United Nations bodies, from the Security Council to the High Commissioner for Refugees, the World Health Organization and more.
For UAF club president Lael Bartch, a business administration major, the most meaningful moments came in the reflective spaces between formal sessions.
“My favorite moment was either during lunch or right after the conference,” she said. “Talking with my delegates about what they were doing in their committees and seeing their faces light up as they described it was amazing.”
Hearing teammates recap heated exchanges and delicate negotiations was a powerful reminder of how far the club has come. “It has been a long road getting here,” Bartch said. “Seeing everyone getting into it and having fun made everything worth it.”
Building leaders through preparation and practice
Model UN asks students to master an enormous amount of information: the history, politics and priorities of the country they represent, the procedures of their assigned committee, and the nuances of the issues under debate. Delegates write position papers, deliver speeches, negotiate amendments and work the room to build coalitions.
Bartch sees the impact every week at club meetings.
“Through this club, we learn integral life skills such as interpersonal communication, public speaking, professional conduct, teamwork, critical thinking, leadership, diplomacy and conflict resolution,” she said. “It has been instrumental in my growth, giving me so much more confidence.”
Those skills have already translated into real-world situations on campus. Without Model UN, she said, she would never have imagined herself pitching the club to a lecture hall of more than 100 students or stepping into a leadership role as a first-year student.
Perhaps the biggest lesson from the Anchorage trip, she added, was simple: the revived club can compete.
“My biggest takeaway was that UAF Model UN can actually succeed,” Bartch said. “Sitting in that room with my club, listening to them talk excitedly about their committees and how much fun they were having finally made it set in. UAF Model UN is actually happening.”
Recognition for preparation and performance
That preparation paid off. Three Nanook delegates were recognized by conference leadership for their work. President Lael Bartch, vice president Will Keechi and delegate Paradise Porter each received Outstanding Delegate honors in their respective committees. Awards are determined by committee chairs and the conference secretariat, who evaluate students on preparation, depth of research, collaboration and effectiveness in debate.
Keechi, an English major who represented Palestine in the High Commissioner for Refugees, spent much of the weekend in sustained negotiation with the delegate representing Israel, with both students working from sharply different national positions. In a rare outcome, Keechi received the Outstanding Delegate honor alongside the Israel delegate, even though the committee typically recognizes a single Outstanding Delegate. Conference leaders cited both delegates’ debate skills, depth of research and the expertise with which they represented opposing viewpoints as the reason for the tie.
“The most important thing I gained from MUN over the years was learning how to speak, lead and navigate conversations publicly,” Keechi said. “You need to be quick, clear and concise in what you’re trying to say, and you should always be listening to what other delegates are saying.”
Finding common ground
For Jesse Tyrrell, who is majoring in emergency management and homeland security with a minor in political science, the conference was his first experience with Model UN. Serving as Algeria on the Security Council, he and fellow delegates confronted a simulated global health crisis: a new Zika outbreak.
Despite representing countries with competing priorities, the committee ultimately crafted a joint approach.
“We worked to write a resolution that declared an international emergency and a UN inter-agency task force to support a global response,” Tyrrell said. “Despite each delegate representing very different nations and interests, it ended in a mutually beneficial and collaborative resolution.”
He also saw firsthand how global power dynamics shape negotiations. Permanent members of the Security Council wield veto authority, a reality that smaller nations must navigate.
“This power inequality was frustrating,” Tyrrell said, “but an ultimately realistic replication of what smaller nations experience on the international diplomatic scale.”
Still, he came away energized. “I thoroughly enjoyed the event and would encourage anyone who is interested in foreign policy, international relations and debate to consider trying it out,” he said.
A program with momentum
Faculty advisor Brandon Boylan, chair of the political science department and director of the Arctic and Northern Studies program, shares that optimism. After a pause during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, he said, the club’s return reflects strong student initiative.
“I am incredibly excited to relaunch the Model United Nations club at UAF,” Boylan said. “I attribute its new life to the many students who want to be involved in the club, learn about the United Nations and international relations, and sharpen their critical thinking, negotiation and diplomacy skills.”
He hopes participation will continue to grow, along with opportunities for students to travel.
“I hope the club maintains strong membership and that we can be creative with fundraising opportunities so that our students can participate in programs around the country,” he said.
For Keechi, the invitation to future delegates is straightforward.
“If you have any spark of curiosity of the world around us,” he said, “please find time to join us at MUN.”
Send a sweet treat, support a Nanook diplomat
Want an easy way to cheer on the team? The club is hosting a campuswide Valentine’s Day Candygram fundraiser, giving students, staff and faculty a fun way to share appreciation while helping delegates get back to Anchorage for the spring 2026 Model UN of Alaska conference, Feb. 19–21.
Supporters can purchase candy from a range of options, and club members will deliver the treats to recipients on Valentine’s Day or make them available for pickup in the Wood Center. Every Candygram helps fund student travel and spreads a little extra kindness and connection across campus.
Political Science at UAF
The Department of Political Science at UAF prepares students to understand and engage with the forces shaping Alaska, the nation and the world. Through small classes, close faculty mentorship and hands-on learning opportunities such as Model United Nations, students build skills in analysis, research, writing and civil dialogue that translate directly to careers in public service, law, nonprofit leadership and beyond.
Gifts to the department help students participate in high-impact experiences such as conferences, research opportunities and academic travel. Community support ensures Nanooks can continue building the knowledge and leadership skills that define programs like Model UN.
