Students Examine Global Issues at Model UN

by Dr. Renee McGill

From Feb 6-9, 16 Marian students joined nearly 1,500 students from all over the world as members of the Model United Nations hosted by the University of Chicago in downtown Chicago. 

Model UN requires each delegate to prepare statements on the issues presented. Students delivered speeches, formed blocs, navigated Q and A sessions, and ultimately wrote resolutions to solve some of our world's most pressing issues. Debates regarding these issues took place over four days, culminating in voting over resolutions that were drafted during sessions. 

Along with Marian faculty members,  Katy Salzman and Renee McGill, students also had opportunities to connect with area alumnae, including Maggie McGill, Olivia Turkel, Sarah Gerards, and Abby McGill. Read the quick updates below to see how they've been spending their time! 

Alumnae Updates: 

Maggie McGill '24 is a freshman at Loyola University Chicago. She plans to major in political science and Spanish and will study abroad in both Washington D.C. and Madrid, Spain. She is currently busy rehearsing for the school production of "Legally Blonde," in which she plays a supporting role.  She reports that she is very happy at Loyola and loves being near family there, especially her aunt Julie McGill '86.

Olivia Turkel '21 completed her studies at Loyola University in December, graduating in 3 1/2 years with a major in molecular and cellular neuroscience and minors in Chinese and psychology. She will be leaving next week for a seven-week research and cultural program at National Taiwan University, where she will be conducting Alzheimer's research. When she returns to the U.S., she'll be living and working in Chicago. While at Loyola, she was involved with the Labre program, a homeless outreach program. 

Sarah Gerards '19 is also a graduate of Loyola University. She lives in Chicago and works for the Food Export Association of the Midwest, USA. This nonprofit organization focuses on international marketing, helping small businesses understand how to export goods. Sarah will be starting a master's program in international affairs at Loyola University while continuing to work at the Food Export Association. 

Abby McGill '19graduated from Marquette University with a degree in mechanical engineering. She lives in Chicago and works for Schneider Electric as a systems application engineer. She programs and implements controls for building automation systems, including HVAC and security applications.