model u.n. makes its mark in the mediterranean “we beat out schools like brown university, princeton, and the london school of economics,” said model u.n. adviser dr. mari centeno, professor of political science, about the team’s performance at the mediterranean model u.n 2015. Three of the team’s six members were recognized as Best Delegate in their respective committees at the conference, held March 27-29 in Menton, France, on the campus of Sciences Po College. “I asked the group for a lot of preparatory work, and it paid off, “Centeno added. “They conducted themselves incredibly well and really deserve this win.” She has accompanied ASU Model U.N. to a total of twelve conferences. MEDMUN 2015 Best Delegate awards went to Laurel Heimstra ‘15 for Special Historical committee, Azarel Madrigal ‘15 for Security Council, and Mark Mabry ‘15 for ECOSOC (Economic and Social Council). Model U.N. engages students internationally in simulation of the United
Nations operations. There were about 300 delegates to this conference, Centeno added. “I actually prefer these smaller conferASU’s Model U.N. team includes (front, from left): Natalie Acurio, Laurel ences, because it gives everyone the Heimstra, Dr. Mari Centeno, Azarel Madrigal; (back, from left): Stevon Cornish, Mark Mabry, Will Custer, and Justin Chase. opportunity to The group prepared all year for the speak.” The group also visited landmarks and historic sites in Nice, France; conference, noted Will Custer, a freshman majoring in social sciences who Ventimiglia, Italy; and Monaco. plans to become a teacher. They spent “We learn about international relatwo hours a week studying and debattions and culture,” Heimstra said. “I ing different international scenarios, in know this experience will help me a great deal when I become a teacher, not addition to their Model U.N. class. only through public speaking, but also in developing critical thinking skills.”
geology field camp ranges desert and mountains The unique geology of Colorado and New Mexico attracted 26 students from 11 universities across the nation to Adams State University's four-week, intensive Geology Field Camp, held in early summer. This was the eighth field camp coordinated by Adam State Professor of Geology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Rob Benson, who hopes to offer the course annually. Hiking and camping for a month in five regions ranging from the deserts of New Mexico to the mountains of Colorado, field camp participants developed mapping skills and honed their geologic intuition. "Mapping is the key underpinning to geology," Benson explained.
"You have to be able to pin all your observations back to the field area. This allows students to tie everything from lecture together." Teaching this course provides Benson with the opportunity to return to his roots as a field geologist. Field Camp assistant Rachel Powell ‘15 said Benson’s "sharp intellect, quirky sense of humor, and strong work ethic made the spirit of field camp light-hearted," despite the constant challenges. By Maddie Mansheim ‘15
LEFT: The Field Camp emphasizes mapmaking skills. RIGHT: Deacon Aspinwall ‘15 (right) a recent Geology and Earth Sciences graduate, helps a field camp participant interpret a map.
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