Skip to main content

Savannah State’s Model African Union Organization is Successful at Annual SEMAU Conference

 

From left to right: Model African Union team members Nigel Smith, Olivia Withers, Sarita Smith, Nicole Harrison, and faculty advisors Dr. Otilia Iancu and Dr. Emmanuel Nojang. 

Savannah State University’s (SSU) Model African Union (AU) Student Organization members recently won five out of 10 awards at the 24th Southeast Model African Union Conference (SEMAU) hosted at Georgia College and State University.
 
The three-day conference on African affairs gave students an opportunity to learn about diplomacy, conflict resolution, leadership and government organizations, and all facets of African life.
 
“I had a wonderful time exchanging ideas and learning how to work with others who have different opinions. This is an experience I will never forget,” Political Science major Oliva Withers said. “I am very excited to be a member of the Model African Union and this experience has left me with better leadership and public speaking skills. I encourage all students to join the Model African Union!”
 
Out of 11 University System of Georgia institutions, Savannah State University tied with Georgia College and Georgia State University for the number of awards won. Junior Computer Science major Nigel Smith won both the Outstanding Delegate Leadership-in-Committee Award and Outstanding Delegation Award for the delegation of Cabo Verde. Master of Public Administration student Nicole Harrison was also awarded Outstanding Delegate Leadership-in-Committee in addition to Honorable Mention Delegation for the delegation of Madagascar. Juniors Sarita Smith and Olivia Withers, Political Science majors, also won Outstanding Delegate Leadership-in-Committee.

From left to right: Model African Union students Nigel Smith, Nicole Harrison, H.E. Carlos Dos Santos, former Ambassador of Mozambique, H.E. Frederic Edem Hegbe, Ambassador of Togo, Model African Union Olivia Withers, Sarita Smith and faculty advisor Dr. Otilia Iancu. 

In addition to AU student organizations, former ambassadors of Mozambique, Nigeria, and the current ambassador of African Union to the United States of America Hilda Suka-Mafudz were in attendance. The Ambassador of The Republic of Togo, Mr. Frédéric Edem HEGBE served as keynote speaker.

SSU’s Model AU plans to attend the 20th Annual International Model African Union Conference on February 24 - 27, 2022 in Washington D.C.

Established in 2004, Savannah State University’s Model African Union Student Organization attends regional and national conferences organized to simulate debates at the African Union. Through Model AU, students experience accurate representations of African Diplomacy and are skilled in public speaking and debating.


Popular posts from this blog

SSU Foundation, Inc. Elects New Officers

    Chairwoman, Dr. Clementine Washington  The Savannah State University Foundation elected new officers during its 2025 winter board meeting held January 18 on the Savannah State University campus. The new officers will serve a 3-year term and were sworn into their new roles effective immediately. The new officers include Chairwoman, Dr. Clementine Washington; Vice Chairman, Mr. Michael Kaigler; Secretary, Mr. James Melvin; Treasurer, Mr. John Kelley; and Financial Secretary, Mrs. Carolyn Price. “It is with profound humility and gratitude that I thank you for your vote of confidence in electing me to serve as Chairman of the Savannah State University Foundation, Inc.,” said Washington. “During my term of office, we will work together as ‘One SSU’ to conduct the business of the Foundation, pursue my campaign goals, and consider other initiatives that may be presented, evaluated, and approved by the board membership.” The Savannah State University Foundation, Inc. is ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Message from Interim President Alexander

  Dear   SSU Campus   Community,   As we start the new year, I would like to take a moment to recount the many milestones we achieved as a campus family in 2024. This was a year of positive change, strategic growth and   major   accomplishments for our beloved Savannah State University (SSU). I am so proud of how our students, faculty, and staff have set and reached new goals and how many   of   our alums have lovingly supported their alma mater and inspired the next generation.   By strategically targeting expanding job markets, diligently pursuing grants, and writing winning proposals, we are now developing new courses in elementary education, forensic toxicology, and film. By collaborating with local, national, and international partners, we have secured internship opportunities for our students in manufacturing, healthcare, and several Dutch-owned companies, pursuant to a successful summer visit with the King and Queen of the Neth...
Post a Comment
Read more

Dr. Jermaine Whirl Named SSU President

Dr. Jermaine Whirl   The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (USG) today named Dr. Jermaine Whirl president of Savannah State University (SSU), effective April 1, 2025. Whirl, an Aspen Fellow, most recently served as president of Augusta Technical College (ATC), a role he has held since November 2020. Whirl’s career includes nearly 20 years of service as a faculty member and administrative leader at public colleges and universities in his home state of South Carolina and in Georgia. He has previously worked at several institutions, including Greenville Technical College, Savannah Technical College, Georgia Southern University and East Georgia State University. “As we welcome Dr. Whirl back into the USG family, we deeply appreciate the steadfast and dedicated leadership of interim President Cynthia Robinson Alexander,” USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue said. “Cynthia has laid a strong foundation for Savannah State’s future, one that Dr. Whirl is well-equipped to build...
Post a Comment
Read more