UD Mediation Team Nationally Ranked
Nov 13, 2014 | Kristi Lynch
From November 6 - 8, the University of Dubuque Mediation Team competed at the fifteenth annual International Intercollegiate Mediation Tournament at Brenau University (Gainesville, GA). The event attracted schools from throughout the United States including: Boston University, Middle Tennessee State University, Lewis University, Western Carolina University, and the University of San Diego.
Each November the International Academy of Dispute Resolution sponsors an undergraduate competitive contest, the National Intercollegiate Mediation Tournament. The intent of the tournament is to give students a real-life experience as mediator, an attorney, and client. Three students make up a team, and each must participate as mediator in one of three preliminary rounds. Students participating have the opportunity to receive All-American recognition.
The UD team of Andrew Kendell (senior, Bellevue, IA, chemistry), Edward Webster (senior, Crystal Lake, IL, business administration), and Garrett Lass (senior, Dewitt, IA, marketing) advanced to the semifinal round in the advocate/client category. The team of Mackenzie Hadler (junior, Minneapolis, MN, criminal justice), Jordan Waddick (senior, Dubuque, IA, criminal justice and sociology), and Elle Lannon (junior, Hudson, WI, criminal justice) also advanced to the semifinal round in the advocate/client category. Impressive accomplishments considering 40 teams competed this year.
In the individual advocate/client category, Kendell and Lass earned 9th place. Lannon and Hadler earned 7th. Webster and Lass earned 3rd. Finally, Waddick and Lannon placed 2nd. Because of their achievements, all these students hold the designation of All-American. This is the most individual All-Americans the University of Dubuque has had in any given year.
Further, 2nd is the highest individual place the University of Dubuque has held in the National Tournament.
Since its inception, the UD Mediation Team has placed in the top ten nationally every year they have competed.
“I had a terrific group of students this year. They had great chemistry and an outstanding work ethic. I think that our success speaks well of how we are developing graduates who are adept at conflict resolution and communication,” said Professor Ben Bartels, Mediation Team advisor. “I’m very proud to be their coach.”
