Setting an Example For All

In the wake of tragedy, the Student Alumni Gold Club took an organizational stand against the abuse of alcohol and dangerous behavior on the Ferris State University campus.

In March a dozen Gold Club members signed the "Safer Break Week" pledge card together with the endorsement and support of Ferris State University President William Sederburg.

The pledge cards commit students to avoid dangerous behavior. Their signatures are a promise that they will not drink and operate any motor vehicle or drink to the point of endangering one's life.

They promise to walk away from any/all violence, to recognize that "no means no" in all dating situations and to use protection for "safer sex" should they decide to be sexually active.

The event followed the death of student Adrienne Allen, who fell from a three-story window at her off-campus apartment after she had been drinking.

"Safer Break Week is a campus-wide reminder to our students that yes, they have a well-deserved break coming, but we want to make sure they minimize their personal risk while on that break," said Lenny Shible of the Ferris Counseling Center and coordinator of Safer Break Week.

SAGC members welcome the opportunity to act as positive examples for other students. "We felt compelled as students in a leadership organization to step up and represent Ferris students for such an important community-conscious program," said Jennifer Hackett, SAGC President.

The Gold Club's participation pushed the total number of student pledges over the 1,200 mark on the way to a grand total of 1,387, nearly one in six students. The pledge cards were united in a single chain that was displayed at this season's final home hockey game. The chain will be displayed this summer during orientation sessions as a symbol of a safe and responsible campus.