The Hastings College Boost Alcohol Consciousness Concerning the Health of University Students (BACCHUS) organization will observe National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week, Oct. 15-19.  More than 1,000 colleges and universities across the United States will be participating in activities to help stress the importance of campus prevention efforts addressing alcohol abuse.

 This year’s theme is “Soaring with the Norms: The Truth About Alcohol Issues at Hastings College.” Students will be introduced to the concept of social norming and will look at alcohol related statistics collected at Hastings College.

 David Hellstrom, director of education and training for the BACCHUS and GAMMA Peer Education Network, will speak Thursday, Oct. 18, at 8 p.m., at French Memorial Chapel. He will address,” The Real Buzz: The Truth and Lies about Campus Alcohol.”

 The public is invited to attend.

 Hellstrom has spent the last 10 years as a spokesman for healthy choices regarding alcohol and other health education issues. His programs include dramatic and comedy elements, delivering important messages to students in a non-confrontational manner.

 “Usually alcohol is not the number one priority of college students,” Hellstrom said. “It’s the friendships, relationships, experiences, and memories that are most important. But for many, alcohol is a part of these moments. So how do students make the kind of healthy choices that will give them what they want while avoiding the risks and tragedies? That’s what I want to teach them.”
 
Other activities include:
Wednesday, Oct. 17
11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. – Informational booth sponsored by BACCHUS, Hazelrigg Student
 Union.
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – National Alcohol Screening Day booth, sponsored by SPAM
 (Students Promoting Active Mental Health) and the Hastings College Counseling
 Services Office, Hazelrigg Student Union.

Thursday, Oct. 18
11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. – Informational booth sponsored by BACCHUS, Hazelrigg Student
 Union.
8 p.m. – Hellstrom presentation, French Memorial Chapel.
9:15 to 10:30 p.m. – Battle of the Mocktails, food and games, campus groups will
 Compete against each other, Hazelrigg Student Union.

 The BACCHUS organization encourages responsible decision-making concerning the use or non-use of alcohol, and to encourage respect for the choices of others.
 
For more information, contact Aaron Rouse at (402) 469-1676, or arouse@hastings.edu. Rouse, a senior, is chairing the events. He is the son of Larry and Vicki Rouse, Trumbull, Neb. 
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