Caesar’s Senate

About the Committee:

The year is 49 BCE and the Roman Republic is a shining beacon of democracy – that is, until the rise of Gaius Julius Caesar, the ambitious consul of Gaul. Seeing that he was gaining too much power, the Senate gave Caesar an ultimatum – lay down your arms or become an enemy of Rome. Caesar has made his decision. On January 10th, the Senate received news that Caesar crossed the River Rubicon into Italy, an action that the Senate did not approve of, and that will change the course of history forever. Did Caesar's actions threaten the safety of the Roman Republic and its democratic values, or usher in a new era for the Roman people? The Senate meets again, perhaps for its last time, to balance the threat of Caesar and the safety of the republic – by whatever means necessary.

A LETTER FROM THE DaiS:

Salve Delegati!

My name is Irawoayo Olagbaiye and I am so excited to be your director for Et Tu, Delegate?: Caesar’s Senate - 49 BCE. I am so excited to bring our idea to fruition and see you all debate the issues plaguing Caesar’s Senate in the first century BCE. I am from Macomb, MI (but I currently live in Memphis, TN) and am currently a junior within Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning, pursuing a degree in architecture with a minor in urban studies. Other than design, Model UN is one of my biggest passions. I volunteer for 3 different Model UN organizations and actively use the debate skills I have acquired through the activity in my everyday life. Outside of Model UN, I am a member of the African Student Association, the American Institute of Architects, and Alpha Rho Chi. In my free time, I love to travel, draw, read, write, and watch thriller and horror movies. I cannot wait to see you all debate in committee!

My name is Delcene Ralaingita, and I will be your assistant director. I am beyond excited to see how our version of Ancient Rome will unfold. I am a junior in the College of LSA, double majoring in Film, Television & digital media (FTVM) and Human Origins & Behavior–so if you like movies (or evolution) feel free to come and chat with me! Although I’m most recently from Evanston, IL, I lived overseas growing up, so participating in Model UN has been a great way for me to stay in touch with global perspectives. I was on the team at my high school, and am now so excited to get to be a part of your MUN journeys. Outside of MUNUM, I am a docent for the University’s Natural History Museum, a peer consultant for the University Writing Center, and a member of a couple student theatre clubs. I look forward to meeting you all!

We look forward to having you on campus soon! If you have any questions regarding the committee or would like to address any concerns you can reach us at irawoola@umich.edu (Irawoayo) and delcener@umich.edu (Delcene).

Bonam fortunam,

Irawoayo Olagbaiye, Director

Delcene Ralaingita, Assistant Director