Spring Break
Alcohol program required for all Greek freshmen
BRIAN MINK
Issue date: 9/12/07 Section: News
Rush. Pledge. And now, participate in a program on alcohol safety and awareness.
The program will be required this year for freshmen involved in Greek life. It was made possible by two $500 donations from the Panhellenic Council and the Interfraternity Council to Safe Campuses Now, a local non-profit focusing on crime awareness and prevention.
"We hope that (the program) is going to have a profound impact," said Leigh Harris, public relations director for Panhellenic.
"Incoming freshmen don't really understand the consequences" that using alcohol irresponsibly causes, she said.
Keith Sims, executive director of Safe Campuses Now, said she's thrilled to run a program for so many students - about 1,500.
"We don't say, 'don't drink,' we say if you choose to drink, understand the consequences," she said.
The program features guest speaker Chris Sandy, an inmate convicted of two counts of DUI vehicular homicide after a 2000 wreck that ended the life of an elderly couple.
Sandy travels with law enforcement personnel to schools and other venues to share his message.
"Chris not only talks about what it's done to him but also what it did to his family and the victims' families," Sims said.
The funds will support other Safe Campuses Now projects, such as a tailgating safety program before home football games and a driver safety program before the Florida game.
Safe Campuses Now was founded by former student Dana Getzinger Foley, who was attacked and nearly died while at the University. Foley became an advocate for student safety, according to the organization's Web site.
"Usually the only stumbling block is the funding," Sims said.
"We're really excited and proud that (Panhellenic and IFC) thought enough of us to give us the donation."
The program will be required this year for freshmen involved in Greek life. It was made possible by two $500 donations from the Panhellenic Council and the Interfraternity Council to Safe Campuses Now, a local non-profit focusing on crime awareness and prevention.
"We hope that (the program) is going to have a profound impact," said Leigh Harris, public relations director for Panhellenic.
"Incoming freshmen don't really understand the consequences" that using alcohol irresponsibly causes, she said.
Keith Sims, executive director of Safe Campuses Now, said she's thrilled to run a program for so many students - about 1,500.
"We don't say, 'don't drink,' we say if you choose to drink, understand the consequences," she said.
The program features guest speaker Chris Sandy, an inmate convicted of two counts of DUI vehicular homicide after a 2000 wreck that ended the life of an elderly couple.
Sandy travels with law enforcement personnel to schools and other venues to share his message.
"Chris not only talks about what it's done to him but also what it did to his family and the victims' families," Sims said.
The funds will support other Safe Campuses Now projects, such as a tailgating safety program before home football games and a driver safety program before the Florida game.
Safe Campuses Now was founded by former student Dana Getzinger Foley, who was attacked and nearly died while at the University. Foley became an advocate for student safety, according to the organization's Web site.
"Usually the only stumbling block is the funding," Sims said.
"We're really excited and proud that (Panhellenic and IFC) thought enough of us to give us the donation."
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Alcohol Rehab
posted 12/22/08 @ 4:32 AM EST
I really think that many students would need an alcohol rehab in the campus... The society blames an alcoholic, but the paradox is that society does not blame college alcohol consumption. (Continued…)
Mike
posted 12/23/08 @ 6:05 PM EST
This program will accomplish as much as the alcohol awareness course that students must take before entering UGA: not much. If a student chooses to drink, no program will stop him or her. (Continued…)
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