A Slam Dunk at PUNC

This weekend, Ohio State set aside its football rivalries and traveled to Penn State to compete in the 12th annual Penn State United Nations Conference, more commonly referred to as PUNC. PUNC is a CCWA favorite and longtime Model UN tradition. As far back as our records go, CCWA has been attending Penn State’s yearly conference— and winning. In fact, up until 2018, CCWA had a three year streak of winning the award for Best Large Delegation at PUNC. Unfortunately, they broke that streak in 2018 by receiving Outstanding Large Delegation, coming in second place to Seton Hall University. Nevertheless, CCWA persisted, and returned to PUNC XII with a renewed vigor for MUN, an especially devoted freshman class, and a desire to take back the Nittany Lion. In return for a weekend of hard work, debate, problem solving and crisis-note-writing, CCWA brought home the gold, reclaiming the award for Best Large Delegation as well as a host of other individual awards, as follows:

Best Delegates:

Sam Taglia (Senior), Abi McGowan (Junior), Maddy Fixler (Junior), Emily Needham (Freshman)

Outstanding Delegates:

Faraz Ansari (Senior), Piper Womelsdorf (Sophomore), Kathleen Fink (Freshman)

Honorable Mention Delegates:

Mack Hogan (Senior), Ian Shotts (Freshman)

Verbal Commendations:

David Hart Jr. (Junior), Anthony Perrins (Freshman)

But beyond the competition and awards, PUNC continues to be a place where delegates can connect with other hard working MUNners and international affairs aficionados, and to make friendships that persist across the collegiate circuit, all coming together to make a truly memorable conference experience. PUNC is a staple of the CCWA conference circuit, and Head Delegates Abi McGowan and Piper Womelsdorf would like to extend their thanks to Penn State’s International Affairs and Debate Association (PSIADA) for their hard work in organizing what is consistently one of CCWA’s favorite conferences. We’ll see you next year, PUNC!

- Piper Womelsdorf, Head Delegate