More than 400 high school students from 20 local schools descended upon the Canisius campus on Wednesday, Nov. 6, for the university’s annual Model United Nations (UN) Conference. The conference was organized and hosted entirely by members of MUNDO (Model UN Development Organization). The student club is dedicated to promoting awareness of international affairs and exploring concepts of peace and security, and human rights.
“As a university committed to developing global citizens, Canisius University is proud to host this annual Model UN Conference and share our passion for international affairs with high school students from across Western New York,” said Richard Reitsma, director of the International Relations program. “Watching the young delegates engage in dynamic debates and work collaboratively to address complex global challenges is tremendously rewarding because these students will be the next generation of leaders and problem-solvers on the world stage.”
Model UN is a popular extracurricular activity in which students roleplay as delegates to the United Nations, simulating UN committees and learning about diplomacy, international relations, current world issues and the UN itself. During the day-long conference, student delegates were assigned to represent specific countries and tasked with debating global issues from the perspective of their assigned country. Working collaboratively, the delegates drafted and passed resolutions, while developing valuable skills in public speaking, writing and critical thinking.
“The Model UN Conference offers a unique opportunity for high school students to gain firsthand experience with the principles and functions of the United Nations,” added Reitsma. “Students not only learn about diplomacy and international relations but develop essential skills that will serve them well in and out of the classroom.”
Join us for HomeCOMing, an inspiring evening of networking hosted by the Department of Communication! This event takes place on Thursday, Nov. 7, from 5-7 p.m. in the Grupp Fireside Lounge. HomeCOMing offers a unique opportunity for current students to connect with Canisius alumni who are established in fields like communication, digital media arts, journalism, and marketing communication.
Meet alumni who can share their career journeys and offer guidance on landing internships or jobs. Get advice on building a career, ask questions about industry trends, and learn what it takes to succeed from those who’ve been in your shoes. Don’t miss this valuable opportunity to gain insights and expand your professional network.
Mark your calendars and join us for an evening of conversation, connections, and career inspiration!
We are thrilled to share the news that Benjamin Hickey, Class of 2004 with a degree in history and minors in classics and art history, has been appointed the new executive director of CEPA Gallery.From CEPA Gallery’s Facebook post: “After an extensive national search, the board of trustees for The Center for Exploratory & Perceptual Arts (CEPA Gallery) announces the hiring of its next Executive Director, Ben Hickey. A skilled administrator with an excellent curatorial pedigree, Hickey brings 19 years of experience to CEPA. Most recently, he served as Interim Director at the Hilliard Art Museum in Lafayette, Louisiana. During his seven years as Curator at the Hilliard, he also served as a member of the leadership team responsible for the museum’s inaugural American Alliance of Museums accreditation. Hickey’s biography is available here.
As an artist-founded gallery, CEPA has a long history of supporting experimental and ground-breaking artists who have changed the world of photography. Hickey’s hire will kick off a year-long 50th anniversary celebration. Community outreach and education, as well as access to excellent studio facilities for photographic artists, will continue to be a point of emphasis for CEPA.
Hickey will work for an engaged board of directors and lead a talented staff composed of some of Western New York’s most up-and-coming arts professionals. Hickey says, “Our capacity for collaboration is amazing. Current partners include Roswell Park, WNY Council on Occupational Safety and Health, and the Buffalo AKG Art Museum among others.”
Hickey concluded, “I am especially eager to begin a new era of robust, boundary-pushing exhibitions with strong educational components. I want CEPA to thrive and turn heads.”
We are so proud of Ben’s accomplishments and eagerly await his return to Western New York!
Submitted by: Yvonne K. Widenor, Assistant Professor, Art History, MLLC, AVPAA, Director, ArtsCanisius
