2002 Fall

Baylor Winningest Team at Model Organization of American States

For the sixth year in a row, the Baylor Model Organization of American States Team has taken a team award at the competition sponsored by the World Affairs Council of San Antonio, Texas. The competition held at St. Mary’s University lasted from November 7-11, 2002.  Twenty-two universities, including five from Mexico, represented countries in the Organization of American States. Students worked on issues of concern to the hemisphere as varied as Free Trade, money laundering, humane treatment of prisoners and border security. Ambassador Peter DeShazo, Deputy U.S. Permanent Representative to the OAS and Ambassador Oliver Garza, U.S. Ambassador to Nicaragua, addressed the meeting and emphasized the importance of the OAS and the value of a career in Foreign Service. Baylor University dominated this year’s model in the number of awards, receiving seven out of 21, and leadership of the model. Perla Elena Gámez, a senior Latin American Studies major from Laredo, Texas served as Secretary-General and Peter Ghobrial, a graduate student in Philosophy from Baytown, Texas served as Parliamentarian. Greg Sanderson, a senior Latin American Studies major from Nacogdoches, Texas; Kurt Conner, a senior Latin American Studies and Spanish major from The Woodlands, Texas; and Emily Matlock, a junior University Scholar from Shreveport, Louisiana chaired three of the five committees at the competition. Ms. Matlock received recognition as Outstanding Chair. Baylor University represented the countries of Ecuador and Mexico. Wes Johnson, a senior Latin American Studies major from Ft. Worth, Texas won Outstanding Delegate for his work on the Inter-American Juridical Committee. Eric Heraly, a senior Biochemistry major from Bay City, Texas, Pastor Giraud a senior Marketing/International Business major from Houston, Texas, and Joanna Cattanach, a senior Political Science major from Blum, Texas were recognized as Distinguished Delegates in the Inter-American Human Rights Committee, the Drug Abuse Control Commission, and the Committee on Hemispheric Security.  Joanna Cattanach also won an award for Distinguished Head Delegate. The entire team received recognition as Distinguished Delegation. Other members of the team included: Travis Kelly, a junior Latin American Studies major from Waxahachie, Texas; Bernardo Aguilar, a junior International Business major from Cleburne, Texas; Chase Browning, a sophomore International Studies major from Colleyville, Texas; Tatiana Brugnoli, a senior exchange student from Mendoza, Argentina; Leah Davis, a sophomore Accounting major from Waco, Texas; Regina DeBrosse-Rodriguez, a sophomore Social Work major from Hialeah Gardens, Florida; James Griffin, a junior University Scholar from West Monroe, Louisiana;  Lisa Kelley, a senior International Business and Management major from Louisville, Kentucky; Ray Lopez, a junior Political Science major from San Antonio, Texas; Paola Masini, a senior exchange student from Mendoza, Argentina; Farrah Rajabi, a senior International Studies and Spanish major from Houston, Texas;  Andrea Sauters, a sophomore Business major from Cleburne, Texas; Melissa Tilger, a senior History major from Waco, Texas; and Alfredo Torres, Jr., a graduate student in Spanish from El Paso, Texas.  Rosario Escajeda, a senior International Business major served as a Rappatour for the competition. Three other Baylor University graduates An aGutiérrez, Nicole Orozco both from San Antonio, and Jennifer Evans from Albuquerque, New Mexico also volunteered their time as Rappatours.  Dr. Joan Supplee, Director of Latin American Studies and Dr. Janet Adamski, Associate Director of International Studies, coached the team.