The mother of deceased Indiana University student Jarrod Polston will speak to students at 5 p.m. in the L.A. Pittenger Student Center Cardinal Hall B.
In the presentation, titled "Forever Choices" and hosted by the Panhellenic Council, Marty Canagany will talk to students about the loss of her son.
Polston died of asphyxiation in Studebaker West Complex in September.
Katelyn Dillard, a sophomore nursing major and a friend of the Polston family, said Canagany will give details of what happened the day Polston died while focusing on the importance of being educated about recreational fun.
Dillard, whose mother went to high school with Polston's mother, arranged for Canagany to speak to her community health class during the Fall Semester.
"After talking with Marty one day over lunch, I felt that it was important for college students to hear Jarrod's story," Dillard said. "Marty had explained to me that eventually she wanted to talk with students everywhere."
Kasie Sturm, Panhellenic Council vice president of membership development, heard Canagany speak on campus last semester and approached her organization about having Canagany visit for a second time to meet with more Ball State students.
"We have been encouraging everyone in greek life to attend this presentation," Sturm said. "We did not want to limit the presentation to just the greek community because we wanted everyone to get the chance to hear Marty speak."
Lynda Wiley, director of Student Life, also had a hand in planning the event. She said she feels the program gives a personal voice to an important issue.
"We find that the more powerful programs are student-run and student initiated, as this one is," she said.
Strum said she wanted the community to become closer and to bring awareness to the issue.
"This program will not only inspire students, but it will change their lifestyle," she said. "They will see and feel the pain of [a] mother losing her son, a friend losing a friend and a sister losing a brother. It will help us as students think about the decisions we make on the weekends and understand how one decision can leave permanent consequences."
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