UNFDU — Students Seize the Initiative
Amb. Ahmad Kamal says that from the first time he started working with Fairleigh Dickinson University and talking to FDU students, “what I saw immediately was a spark in people’s eyes. Whenever you have that interest, it automatically plants germs and seeds which then grow.” One of those seeds has given rise to the student organization called the United Nations of Fairleigh Dickinson University (UNFDU).
Begun last year at the College at Florham, the group was formed — in the words of its mission statement — “to raise the knowledge and awareness of global issues through research, debate and actions, in ways that are reflective of the real United Nations.” Brian Overman, the club’s treasurer, adds that the group is working on three fronts: to impact the student body with informative and entertaining campus programs; to support the local community and humanitarian organizations; and to become a member of the Model United Nations, in which students act the roles of ambassadors in a simulation of the world body.
“The United Nations stands as a model of working as a unit through tolerance and understanding,” says Brandi Carnivale, the club’s president. “I think by being involved with the organization, one can only become more open-minded to the issues that face the entire world.”
Bruce Peabody, assistant professor of political science at the College at Florham, the group’s adviser, says the students have “not only shown initiative but extraordinary leadership and poise.” He adds, “The program is an excellent complement to and brings a student perspective to the University’s global mission. Here students can develop and think through their views on global events and issues.”
The UNFDU student club regularly assists with U.N. lectures at the College at Florham. With Amb. Javad Zarif, center, permanent representative of Iran to the United Nations, are club president Brandi Carnivale, right, and treasurer Brian Overman.
In its first effort, UNFDU ran a campus recycling program. Then, it organized an international movie night. In the spring, it held an International Club Night, with international music and dance contests, and visited the United Nations. Naturally, UNFDU also has assisted with each U.N. lecture held at the campus.
Potential events may include a concert for hunger or a foreign-food festival. “We also hope to be a part of a conference in the Model United Nations and are very excited about participating in the debates,” Carnivale says. “And one of the most important of our goals would be integrating the club into the educational program here at Fairleigh and obtaining credits for the academic work that is involved with being a member of the UNFDU.” Peabody adds that, through the club, he hopes to support independent study projects that focus on the United Nations.
For Carnivale, who graduated in May with a BA in political science and who plans to attend law school, her in-depth exposure to the United Nations and international issues have taught her “to approach controversial issues from new perspectives” as well as given her an “understanding of different cultures.” She believes such lessons will “strengthen my tolerance, increase my understanding and teach me how to change my perspective when necessary.”
Return to Opening Page
Renewing Old Bonds | An Illustrious Lineup
Curricular Connections | In the Front Lines
Students Seize the Initiative | A Long Line of Links
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