The University of Illinois Springfield delegation earned the prestigious Outstanding Delegation award—the highest honor presented—at the 2025 National Model United Nations (NMUN) Conference held April 13-17 in New York City.

The conference, which brings together college students from around the world to simulate the work of the United Nations, recognizes only the top 20 percent of participating delegations with the Outstanding Delegation designation. Delegates are evaluated on active engagement, professionalism, diplomacy and proper use of parliamentary procedure throughout the week.

In addition to the group’s success, Melody Colonel, a political science and business administration major from Chester, Illinois, received two individual honors in the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe committee. She earned a position paper award judged by NMUN evaluators and a peer award voted on by fellow delegates.

Jacob Laurenzana, a UIS political science major from Sherman, Illinois, served in a leadership role as the chair of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice. His appointment was determined through a competitive pre-conference application process.

Model UN simulations engage hundreds of thousands of students each year worldwide, helping them develop skills in research, public speaking, negotiation and critical thinking. Many current leaders in law, government, business and international relations participated in Model UN during their academic careers.

For more information about the UIS Model United Nations Program, visit the club's website.