Event makes students ‘more aware’

It was a gloomy day in Dunn Meadow. Clouds lined the sky, and soft rock tunes floated from the loudspeakers. Curious people were trickling in to visit the numerous booths set up along the Jordan River, and the atmosphere was relaxed.

It might not have looked like an event labeled “Sex, Drugs & Rock 'n’ Roll”, but things were just getting started.

While attendance was low, possibly due to the overcast and drizzling weather, “Sex, Drugs & Rock 'n’ Roll” lived up to its billing with informational activities about alcohol, drugs and sexual assault. Attendees also received a healthy dose of rock 'n’ roll provided by local bands The David Campbell Trio, Montezuma’s Revenge, The Buzzkills, Aaron Persinger and Yeti Guru.

Activities included corn hole, trivia about alcohol and sexual assault, and a chance to throw a pie at Dean of Students Dick McKaig’s face. The attendance might have been scarce, but those who showed up were pleased.

“I think it was fun, but definitely different than what I was expecting,” said freshman Amanda Fiorini. “I had to be here for my Freshman Interest Group, but I’m glad I came. I really enjoyed it.”

Although the opportunity to learn new things about alcohol, drugs and sexual assault was billed as a top priority of the event, Fiorini stressed the importance of reinforcing the things she already knew.

“I haven’t learned anything new,” she said. “But it was good to go over what I knew before about alcohol, sex and rape.”

Sophomore Kayla Hassett was also happy to be in attendance and said she did learn some new information from the activities.

“I liked it a lot,” she said. “I’ve learned more about legal limits, the size of standard drinks and sexual assault. It makes you more aware of the dangers out there.”

While acknowledging the low attendance, event coordinator Debbie Melloan was still pleased by the turnout.

“Students are coming, they seem to be having fun, they’re relating to one another, and they’re also going to all the booths,” she said.

Melloan, a counselor for the sexual assault crisis service at the IU Health Center, also stressed that students, in addition to enjoying the event’s activities, also showed a willingness to learn and grow.

“It seems as if the students I’ve interacted with here are taking the messages seriously and are willing to listen to the information,” she said. “We put it out there, and you can’t make a person change their behavior, so that part is really on them. We’ve given them the opportunity to learn and grow. Hopefully they take it.”