Last month, Texas Wesleyan's Model Arab League team received the Distinguished Delegation Award while representing Kuwait at the regional conference at Texas A&M University – Commerce, Texas. 

Members of the debate delegation team included Kevin Blake, Stephen Cervantez, Aya El-Alfi, Zurra Hemani, Sachiko Jayarantne, Patricia Milbery, Angie Reed, Zahra Saheb, Sylvester Spencer and Elsa Tovar.

Four students were recognized as Outstanding Delegates: Kevin Blake, Elsa Tovar, Zahra Saheb and Aya El-Alfi. Angie Reed was the head delegate. Ibrahim Salih, Ph.D., professor of political science, served as faculty advisor.

Other universities participating in this year's competition included:

• Baylor University
• Centenary College of Louisiana
• Texas A&M University – College Station
• Texas A&M University – Commerce
• Texas A&M University – Galveston
• Arkansas Tech University
• Oklahoma Baptist University
• Oklahoma Christian University
• Oral Roberts University
• University of Houston Downtown
• Southwestern University
• Texas State University
• Missouri Southern State University

Under the leadership of Halil Ibrahim Salih, Ph.D., professor of political science, Texas Wesleyan students have been participating in the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations' Model Arab League (MAL) Program for 30 years. The program gives undergraduate college students the opportunity to learn about the politics and history of the Arab world and the art of diplomacy and public speech.

MAL competition prepares students to be informed and effective citizens as well as civic and public affairs leaders.  

Congratulations to our MAL team.