MISENHEIMER ó Pfeiffer University student athletes plan a Feb. 22 “Dry Night,” an evening of alcohol-free activities planned by some of Pfeiffer’s student-athletes to show classmates they can have a good time without drinking while raising money for a worthy cause.
The events will begin at 7 p.m. with the Mr. Pfeiffer University pageant, which serves as a fundraiser for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Organizers say the pageant will be an amusing and light-hearted competition that includes categories such as talent, evening and team wear, a question-and-answer portion and the best pick-up line. The event will be held in the Henry Pfeiffer Chapel on the Misenheimer campus. The public is invited and donations will be accepted.
The evening of activities will conclude at 1 a.m.
“We feel like this event is a good chance to unite the campus and community for a good cause while offering a night of substance-free entertainment to residential students,” said Suzie Hinman, a sophomore soccer player and president of Pfeiffer’s Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC). “During Dry Night, SAAC hopes no alcohol will be consumed and students are encouraged to donate the money they would have spent on alcohol to Make-A-Wish.”
Patty Hunter, a junior lacrosse player and vice president of the Student Athletic Advisory Committee, a student-led organization dedicated to improving student-athlete welfare and promoting a positive student-athlete image, said the goals of Dry Night also help Pfeiffer to fulfill its NCAA Division-II commitment to community outreach as well as the university’s longstanding mission of service.
“This event increases awareness of a critical issue among our age group, promotes an alcohol-free environment and will raise funds for a very good organization,” she explained. “We hope Dry Night can portray students, especially student-athletes, in a more positive way.”
Alternatives to alcohol-laden parties are held on college campuses nationwide. Pfeiffer’s comes in the wake of several area tragedies ó including some fatalities ó involving college students who have consumed alcohol.
Each year, drinking by college students across the country causes significant numbers of injuries and deaths. The latest National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism report reveals drinking among college students and other 18-to-24-year-olds has increased since 1998 and contributes to an estimated 1,700 alcohol-related unintentional student deaths. Additionally, more than 696,000 students in the same age category are assaulted by another student who was drinking, and more than 97,000 students are victims of alcohol-related sexual assaults.
“We know the college years represent a period for high risk drinking behaviors, but one of the great things about Pfeiffer is the commitment of our students to shape the campus culture into one that is a source pride,” said Daryl Bruner, director of counseling services at Pfeiffer. “Dry Night is a great example of our students seeing a national trend, then acting locally to bring about a positive change and to help each other make responsible choices. It is really exciting to see our student-athletes taking the lead on this event.”
For more information about Dry Night and the evening’s activities, contact Hinman at snhinman@pfeiffer.edu or call 704-463-3201.