Purdue plans events to observe Alcohol Awareness Month

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue University's observance of Alcohol Awareness Month, held every April, features three events, including two alcohol summits.

National Alcohol Awareness Month was founded and has been sponsored by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence since 1987 to increase public awareness and understanding about alcohol.

"At Purdue, we are committed to expanding knowledge and education for our students, campus and community partners," said Tammy Loew, health advocacy coordinator in the Student Wellness Office of the Purdue Student Health Center.

The events, free and open to the public, include:

* 7-9 p.m. Tuesday (April 9). Materials and Electrical Engineering Building, B012. Bricks, Booze, and YOU: Student Alcohol Summit. Rodney Vandeveer, professor in the College of Technology, will lead students in a discussion about how they think Purdue should address high-risk drinking on campus.

"Alcohol is a very controversial issue on our campus," said Bobby Haddix, executive director of student engagement with Purdue Student Government, who helped plan the event. "As students we sometimes feel we cannot properly voice our true opinions on the matter. This gives us the venue we need to speak our true thoughts. It is very important for as many students to attend as possible so that we can represent the opinions of the entire student body."

* 1:30 p.m. Thursday (April 11). Where Else Bar, 135 S. Chauncey Ave., West Lafayette. Campus-Community Bar Retail Coalition meeting. Begun in 2002, the CCBRC includes campus and community representatives who work to address high-risk alcohol behavior and create a safe environment. Jason Dombkowski, West Lafayette police chief, and Loew co-facilitate the group. The meeting will bring together representatives from campus, student groups, community, bar and package liquor store owners to discuss Grand Prix safety preparations. The Purdue Grand Prix is April 20.

"This important collaboration helps set the stage for a safe Grand Prix week," Dombkowski said. "The CCBRC is one of the hallmarks of our campus and community partnerships and all are welcome to take part in our discussions."

* 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 24. Purdue Memorial Union West Faculty Lounge. Bricks, Booze, and You: Campus Alcohol Summit. Attendees will learn about alcohol issues in higher education as well as the Purdue campus and also will receive information about current alcohol initiatives by Purdue's Campus Improvement Team. The event is open to everyone, but preregistration is required. To register, go to http://www.purdue.edu/swo/alcoholsummit

"We all play a role in creating a safe and healthy environment for students by reducing the harmful effects of alcohol," Loew said. "We'll learn about current collaborative strategies on campus and, partners will provide input on future directions."

Writer: Greg McClure, 765-496-9711, gmcclure@purdue.edu

Sources: Tammy Loew, 765-496-6780, tfloew@purdue.edu

Bobby Haddix, rhaddix@purdue.edu

Jason Dombkowski, 765-775-5100, jldombkowski@westlafayettepd.us