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May 7, 1999 JOURNALISTS: Here's a story idea and Purdue events. Purdue Extension helps to curb drinking teens Spring proms and graduation celebrations are often followed by the heartbreak of drunken driving deaths. The Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service has confronted the problem with the Community Systemwide Response (CSR) Initiative for Teen Impaired Driving. "Extension educators work with community leaders, youths, parents and teachers to identify local problems," says Pam Robbins, coordinator of Indiana's CSR Initiative. "Teen-age impaired driving, which includes inexperience, high speed and recklessness, as well as alcohol and drug impairment, is a recurring issue that tops their lists. CSR gives communities the tools to tailor-make solutions to those problems." For example, in Marion County, 300 high-school students in the Perry Township Schools have signed a contract that they will not drink and drive. This group plans to expand the program into inner city schools. Several sites, including Porter, Brown, Howard, Pulaski, Jay and Monroe counties, conducted a program, "You Think You Have Troubles Now," reaching approximately 20,000 high-school students. The program focuses on what happens if teens decide to drink and drive. CONTACT: Robbins, (812) 967-3738, probbins@wcrtc.net Events Wednesday, May 12. Indiana State Superintendent of Public Instruction Suellen Reed will be the keynote speaker at the Reading Recovery commencement celebration beginning at 4 p.m. in the East Faculty Lounge of the Purdue Memorial Union. The ceremony, which marks the completion of Reading Recovery training for 16 elementary school teachers from across the state, is expected to last until 6 p.m., and Reed will be available for media interviews immediately afterward. CONTACT: Maribeth Schmitt, director of Reading Recovery, (765) 494-5683; mschmitt@purdue.edu, or Tony Samuel, communications specialist, Department of Education, (317) 232-6616; asamuel@doe.state.in.us Friday, May 14. Maj. Gen. Richard E. Brown III, a decorated combat pilot who is director of joint matters for the Deputy Chief of Staff for Air and Space Operation, will speak at the ROTC Tri-Commissioning Ceremony for the 25 graduates of Purdue's Army, Navy and Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps programs. The ceremony begins at 11 a.m. in the South Ballroom of the Purdue Memorial Union. CONTACT: Capt. Paul Driessen, Purdue Air Force ROTC, (765) 494-2042 Saturday-Sunday, May 15-16. Spring commencement ceremonies at West Lafayette will be 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. each day in Elliott Hall of Music. Approximately 4,775 students -- 3,860 of whom are undergraduates -- will earn degrees during the four ceremonies. Purdue President Steven C. Beering and Dr. Charles Boonstra, president of the Purdue Alumni Association, will address graduates at each ceremony. Journalists who want to cover commencement will need tickets and should reserve space for camera equipment. CONTACT: Mike Willis, Purdue News Service, (765) 494-0371, mike_willis@purdue.edu. The schedule of ceremonies: -- 9:30 a.m. Saturday ,Schools of Agriculture and Liberal Arts. -- 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Schools of Management and Technology. -- 9:30 a.m. Sunday, Schools of Engineering and Veterinary Medicine. -- 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Schools of Consumer and Family Sciences; Education; Pharmacy, Nursing and Health Sciences; and Science. Friday, May 21. The Purdue Board of Trustees will meet at 10 a.m. in Room 304 (Anniversary Drawing Room), Purdue Memorial Union. CONTACTS: Jeanne V. Norberg, director, Purdue News Service, (765) 494-2084; jeanne_norberg@purdue.edu, or Joseph L. Bennett, vice president for University Relations, (765) 494-2082; joe_bennett@purdue.edu Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; e-mail, purduenews@purdue.edu To the Purdue News and Photos Page