Two Hope College students earned recognition during the Michigan Model League of Arab States, held on Thursday-Saturday, Feb. 22-24, at Grand Valley State University.
Lydia Hartsell, a junior from Alexandria, Minn., was named an "Honorable Mention Outstanding Delegate" for her participation on the Council of Arab Environmental Ministers. August Miller, a senior from Southfield, was named an "Honorable Mention Outstanding Delegate" for his participation on the Council on Palestinian Affairs.
In portraying representatives of the member states of the Arab League, participating students attempt to solve problems and achieve consensus on questions faced by diplomats on a daily basis. The Model League of Arab States is sponsored by the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations, based in Washington, D.C.
The four-member Hope delegation represented Jordan. In addition to Hartsell and Miller, the participating Hope students were seniors Christine Corbin of Holland, who served on the Council on Political Affairs, and Michelle Gendron of Camden, who served on the Council of Arab Social Affairs Ministers. The Hope students were advised by Habeeb Awad, who is international student advisor at Hope.
A total of eight colleges and universities participated in the event. In addition to Hope, the participating schools were Aquinas College, Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Valley State University, Muskegon Community College, Spring Arbor College, the University of Michigan-Dearborn and Wayne State University.