March 27, 2000

VITERBO TAKES A CLOSER LOOK AT ALCOHOL ISSUES DURING ALCOHOL AWARENESS WEEK (APRIL 9-14)

LA CROSSE, Wis.— Current statistics on alcohol consumption by college students are alarming. According to the Core Institute survey of 37,000 students on 66 campuses, 20 percent of them reported having done poorly on tests or assignments due to alcohol abuse, while 30 percent missed class because of alcohol.

Viterbo College students and staff will be examining these issues during Alcohol Awareness Week (April 9-14) with a series of activities and events sponsored by student organizations around campus.

"During alcohol awareness week, we are promoting low risk alcohol choices, along with awareness about the consequences of alcohol abuse, to students and the Viterbo community through awareness, education, and alternatives that they can incorporate into their daily life," said Anne Ellefson, Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (AODA) prevention specialist.

To increase awareness, Ellefson said, a number of displays and activities have been organized, including:

• "Conversation with the Bottle," Monday, April 10, 7:30 p.m., Student Union: A medical professional will describe first-hand observations of alcohol overdose and poisoning and a recovering individual will share personal experiences with dependency and recovery.

• "Ultimate Party of the Millennium," Tuesday, April 11, 8-9 p.m., Student Development Center: Campus resident assistants will host the ultimate (simulated) party, featuring dancing, music, assigned roles, conversation, and more.

• "Fatal Vision," Wednesday, April 12, 1-4 p.m., Winnebago Street  between 8th and 9th Streets: Students will walk the line, touch their noses, and perform other feats while wearing the Fatal Vision glasses, designed to mimic alcohol impairment.

• "The Wall," all week, Student Union: A "brick wall" will be constructed in the Union, allowing students and staff to reflect and remember by writing the name of someone they know who has suffered negative consequences related to alcohol abuse.

For more information on these events, or to find out about other Alcohol Awareness Week activities, please contact Ellefson at 796- 3807 or email her at amellefson@viterbo.edu.