"Alcohol is the number one problem on campuses today and the number one drug of choice among college students," says Laurie Krupski, UB's drug and alcohol counselor. "Many students fail to realize that alcohol is lethal and has the potential to cause death. They don't associate 'I can die' with going out and drinking."

One year ago Krueger, an Orchard Park resident attending the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, died of acute alcohol intoxication at a fraternity party. Despite Krueger's death and that of other students under similar circumstances in recent years, binge drinking continues "unabated" on campuses nationwide, according to a study released last month by the Harvard School of Public Health.

Noting that 42.7 percent of college students are binge drinkers, the study found increased intensity of drinking among those who drink, more drinking to get drunk, more frequent drunkenness and more alcohol-related problems, such as drinking and driving, since a 1993 study.

In an effort to increase alcohol awareness in the UB community, several students and faculty and staff members have produced a 22-minute video, "Making Choices: College Drinking," that presents the consequences of the range of choices college students make when it comes to drinking.

Steve Turkovich and Danielle Anglim, both high-school friends of Krueger's and now seniors at UB, helped work on the video and continue to promote alcohol awareness and responsible drinking in the UB community. "The video is a first step in the monumental task of trying to change a culture through increasing awareness and education," explains Turkovich.

Anglim adds that the video doesn't necessarily tell students "don't drink," but emphasizes that the choice to drink or not to drink is in their power.

The students explain that the effectiveness of the video lies in its balance between real-life testimonies of students and the dramatized reality of UB's drinking scene.

"The video allows students to send other students their personalized message about responsible drinking," explains Krupski, also interim director of UB's Living Well Center. "We wanted UB students working on the video because they know what goes on here at UB. There are a lot of videos out there, but this one is specifically for and about UB students."

While Krupski and the students agree that it is unrealistic to try to eliminate binge drinking, they emphasize the importance of students knowing how to save their own life or the life of a friend in a potentially deadly situation. The video shows how to recognize the signs of alcohol poisoning and demonstrates the steps to take in such a situation.

Krupski says the video, which is gaining national interest, has been well-received by groups of faculty, staff, students and parents of local high-school students. They have been impressed by the efforts of the Living Well Center, Student Health Center, Public Safety, Counseling Center, Residence Life, Inter-Greek Council and local businesses, including Molly's Pub on Main Street.

In observance of Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week, UB will hold "Fall Fun Fest '98" at 7 p.m. Oct. 23 in Alumni Arena. Tables will be set up next week in the Student Union lobby, where student "power advocates" will promote alcohol awareness. Krupski will visit dorms to give presentations on the dangers of binge drinking. Mandatory workshops, with a screening of the video and a panel discussion by students and staff committed to addressing alcohol concerns on campus, will be held during the week for fraternity and sorority members.

UB to note Alcohol Awareness Week with Fun Fest '98

Coordinator Betty Dimmick, associate director of athletics for recreation, expects between 500 and 1,000 students to attend this night of anticipated "pandemonium and chaos."

Students will be able to relieve mid-semester stress at massage, reflexology and stress-break stations. Also featured will be a presentation of Latin American dances and free swing-dancing lessons by the American Dance Studio.

Other activities will be the World' Largest "Simon Says," Slippery Socks "Tug of War," and recreational basketball, volleyball, indoor soccer and wallyball tournaments.

The event, which will include free food and "mocktails," is sponsored by the undergraduate Student Association, Residential Life, Student Health Center, Recreation and Intramural Services, the Living Well Center and UB's Natural High Committee.

The events are all free and open to the UB community.