Franklin College students showcased their diplomatic talents on a world stage during spring break, earning international accolades at the National Model United Nations Conference in New York (NMUN-NY)—the oldest and first officially recognized Model UN conference by the United Nations. Competing against more than 3,000 students from institutions across the globe, the Franklin College Model UN Team emerged as a standout delegation.

The team received the Distinguished Delegation Award, the second-highest honor bestowed at the conference, positioning Franklin College among the top Model UN programs worldwide. This elite recognition reflects the team’s exceptional preparation, diplomacy, and collaboration.

In rigorous competition, Franklin College students outperformed delegations from notable institutions including Kalamazoo College, McGill University, University of Mississippi, Pace University and University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth. The team’s performance also placed them ahead of prominent programs from Gonzaga University and Loyola University Chicago.

The 2025 Franklin College Model UN team members include:

Talan Andersch is from Plainfield.

Camden Carlile is from Trafalgar.

Spencer Fears is from Trafalgar.

Bella Ferree is from Franklin.

Amy Garrido Portillo, a co-head delegate, is from Greenwood.

Kirsten Hunt is from Morgantown.

Zachary Blaine is from Mona, Jamaica.

Tristin Maloney is from Shelbyville.

Luke Morris is from Connersville.

Cara Mullen, a co-head delegate, is from Carthage.

Shea Reynolds is from Austin.

In addition to the team’s success, students Garrido Portillo and Fears received the Outstanding Delegate Awards for their exceptional leadership and contributions within the General Assembly Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural). This peer-selected honor represents global recognition by fellow delegates from all six inhabited continents.

“The achievements of our Model UN team speak volumes about the caliber of our students and the strength of our academic programs,” said Randy Smith, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Department of Political Science at Franklin College. “Their ability to collaborate, negotiate and lead in an international setting reflects the values and excellence of a Franklin College education.”

For more information, contact the Franklin College Office of Communications at (317) 738-8185.