Twenty Ball State students competed with teams from 13 universities to win the best delegation award at the 16th annual Midwest Model European Union at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI).              

"I was pleasantly surprised and very happy for our students," said Gene Frankland, professor of political science and delegation supervisor.

The purpose of the simulation, held April 17-19, is to focus on European Union policy. Students play roles of European officials and apply decision-making skills to their situations. Ball State students represented Greece and the United Kingdom.

The Greek team earned the best national delegation award. Students Ray Gradeless, Korey Keller, Ryan Minton and Joe Haney received honors as the best in their individual roles.

Frankland has supervised 13 Ball State delegations over the years. Frankland's students have won the best delegation award four times, which is the most received by any university participating in the simulation.

The competition has become more difficult as the real European Union has grown and more delegations compete at the simulation, Frankland said.

"Thus the 2008 awards represent even more of an accomplishment by Ball State students," he said.

By Elaina Gemelas