As part of a nationwide effort to increase drug and alcohol awareness among college students, a national award-winning athlete and educator will give his personal testimony tonight about his experiences as a recovering alcoholic.
Mike Green, the president and founder of the Collegiate Consultants on Drugs and Alcohol, will speak at 7:30 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom.
Green, who has spoken at more than 2,000 campuses nationwide throughout the past 18 years, has also spoken to NCAA and professional football and basketball teams, according to his Web site. As a former athlete and coach, he received both the All Pennsylvania Conference and the All State honors as well as the opportunity to try out for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Leslie Barker, the ideas and issues director for Ball State's University Program Board, said she was proud to be able to invite Green to campus, not only because of his renown but because of the powerful message he will relate to students about the effects of alcohol use and the importance of promoting campus safety.
"I'm glad he's coming here because of all the tragedies that have already happened this year," Barker said.
In addition to giving his personal testimony, Green will provide information and statistics on the mental and physical damages caused by substance abuse. He will also interact with students in the audience by asking questions throughout the presentation, she said.
Sara Shelton, who helps to sponsor Late Nite for UPB, said she is glad Green's firsthand experiences with alcoholism will allow him to connect with students on a personal level.
"When you see a real-life situation, it always hits closer to home," Shelton said.
Barker said she is looking forward to tonight's presentation and said Green's visit to campus has come at the perfect time.
"After Spring Break, everyone's in that party mode, especially since the weather's getting warmer," Barker said. "Hopefully, his speech will show how serious alcohol can really be. Students will think about the consequences that come with drinking."
Shelton said Green's presentation is not intended to preach at students but simply to encourage them to drink responsibly. Students will enjoy listening to what he has to say, she said.
"He will encourage you to be smart while you're (drinking)," Shelton said. "I think that's a good thing, especially for kids our age."
According to his Web site, Green serves as consultant to the student affairs and athletic departments of several universities, including Princeton, Brown and Florida State. He is listed among the "Outstanding Young Men of America" and has appeared as a featured guest on various television programs including "A.M. Philadelphia" and "People are Talking." Green also produced a series of video tapes that feature several "Think Before You Drink" presentations.
Shelton said Green's passion for raising awareness about alcohol on the college campus makes going to tonight's presentation worthwhile for every student. All who attend will learn something new, she said.
"It will be an eye-opener," Shelton said. "It's very important for people to come out and at least check it out. Anybody who can make it will benefit from it."112--¦+â-£+â-à?N_green pg1_3/24/04DNEditorial112SORT-á+â-ä2AUDT
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