Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

PCC scores major wins at West Coast Model European Union

Photos and story by Misty Bouse

As the world faces constant instability, fostering future leaders in international diplomacy is essential for improving global relations, a mission that Portland Community College is actively addressing.

This spring, PCC sent a few of its emerging leaders to participate in the West Coast Model European Union for the fourth consecutive year in Seattle. Hosted by the Center for European Studies at the University of Washington and co-funded by the European Union, the event brings together geopolitical-minded students from colleges and universities across North America.

This was a milestone year for the college as, for the first time, PCC students were recognized with awards for their performance. Joel Chapman of Southwest Portland received the “Outstanding Minister Award,” and Andrew Eyler earned honorable mention for “Outstanding Position Paper.”

PCC also fielded its largest cohort to date, with six students representing three countries. That was an increase from four students last year and two students in both 2024 and 2023.

Students As World Leaders

Three PCC teams competed in this year’s simulation of a European Council summit, serving as representatives of European Union member states. The teams represented Denmark, Spain and Portugal. Students prepared position papers and draft resolutions, delivered speeches, and participated in formal and informal debates. They were accompanied by Robert Asaadi, faculty adviser for the West Coast Model EU (WCMEU) program.

Second-year political science students Kate Ancheta of Beaverton who is transferring to Columbia University and Lizbeth Fierro Ramos of North Portland, who is transferring to Portland State University to join its Honors Program, both in the fall, loved the experience. Ancheta shared that her dream career is to become a foreign service officer for the U.S. Department of State.

“Participating in WCMEU has been helpful in introducing me to the world of diplomacy and international cooperation. And it also gave me real-life experience analyzing foreign policy and official government documents. WCMEU was an excellent supplement to my in-class learning,” said Ancheta.

Ramos, who acted as Head of Government for Spain on her team, said, “I think the biggest benefit of this experience is that it serves as proof that education is not reserved for classrooms or lectures, education also includes experiences like this where you can apply your own research, enrich it with discussion, and strengthen collaboration with peers.”

Grasping the Globe

This year’s event focused on major global issues, including EU alignment on military procurement; EU enlargement, with a particular focus on Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova; essential rare earths; and governance of digital markets. Students contributed to discussions on each topic, strengthening their understanding of global policy and European politics.

The keynote address was delivered by Miguel Roncero Martin, an EU civil servant and the 2026 EU Fellow at the University of Washington. He emphasized the importance of global cooperation in developing a sustainable Arctic blue economy.

Networking Toward Future Paths

Participation provided PCC students with professional development and networking opportunities. Students connected with peers and faculty members from institutions across the United States, building relationships that support their academic interests and future career goals.

Also transferring next year to PSU Urban and Public Affairs, Chapman said,  “The WCMEU event showed me the necessity of collaboration in public policy and international politics.”

He added, “I left with a newly informed perspective that although the divisions between different groups of people may seem irreconcilable at first, there are often many ways to bridge those divides and build a common understanding. And in my personal life, the practice of showing up to negotiations or disagreements with good will and reliable information will no doubt serve me well, long into the future.”

Eyler who is pursuing an Associate of Science Oregon Transfer in Business degree with plans to attend San Diego State University, added, “I have learned valuable communication skills that cannot be replicated outside of simulation.”