Gonzaga University Model United Nations Alumni Reflections

Gonzaga’s Model United Nations program has been shaped by passionate students who brought vision, leadership, and global curiosity to campus. In the reflections below, two alumni—Michael Imasua (’11), who founded the program, and Ariana Chin (’23), who led it as Secretary General—share how MUN influenced their academic journeys and personal growth. Their stories highlight the lasting impact of MUN on students’ skills, perspectives, and connections.

Alum Reflection: Michael Imasua (’11)

Q: What inspired you to bring Model UN to Gonzaga?

A: Within weeks of arriving at Gonzaga as a transfer student, I felt something lacking in my academic journey. Having served as a head delegate for the Model UN at Miami Dade College, I needed a similar platform where students of all disciplines could express themselves in the world of global discourse, simulate solutions to current global issues, and cultivate skills in diplomacy, negotiations, research, writing, public speaking and critical thinking. Of course, there were programs like Mock Trial, but I was determined to start a Model UN program. I also knew I did not want to be constrained by the fluctuating rules of university clubs, so I took on the challenge of seeking buy-in from the University leadership to establish an academic program that can be housed within existing faculties and funded in whole or part by the University. Of course, there is also something rewarding about all these approaches taken, which is about building something from the ground up. I embarked on a challenge and with it came the fulfillment of a reputable Model UN program that is

Alum Reflection: Ariana Chin (’23)

Ariana Chin majored in political science, international studies, criminology, was a part of Gonzaga's honors program and earned a minor in psychology as well as distinctions while studying abroad at Queen Mary University of London and participaed in its Model UN (MUN). Acting as Gonzaga MUN’s secretary general, Chin won Best Position Paper representing Norway in the security council at Oxford International Model UN.

She says: “Participating in MUN for 8 years has taught me so much about the world around me as I conduct research and represent different countries with regard to various issues each week. I continue to learn what it means to be a global citizen; improve my researching, writing, diplomacy, and public speaking skills; expand my knowledge on how the UN functions; and understand the UN’s significance within society. MUN has encouraged me to keep an open mind, pushing me out of my comfort zone in different and safe ways while providing me with the opportunity to meet lifelong friends from all over the world.”