With the approach of St. Patrick’s Day – a day of revelry but sometimes a bit too much green brew – Mercyhurst College is preparing to give its students some practical, but very entertaining alternatives to alcohol-intensive partying.

During Alcohol Awarenes Week, March 12-17, the Mercyhurst College Division of Student Life, Mercyhurst Student Government, and the Student Activities Council will host a variety of activities aimed at encouraging students to make safe and responsible choices regarding alcohol consumption.

“We care about the choices our students are making. We want to give them a real alternative that will be fun,” said Sarah Allen, assistant director of the student union and student activities.

The following events are planned:

Monday, March 12, Taylor Little Theatre, 8:30 p.m. – Patrick Leary, D.O., of Saint Vincent Sports Medicine, discusses the effects of alcohol on student athletes, followed by the film, “Spin the Bottle.”

Tuesday and Wednesday, March 13-14, Freshman Residence Halls – Matt Eby, a 24-year-old who was charged in Palm Beach County, Fla., with DUI Manslaughter and DUI Serious Bodily Injury, will speak in the freshman residence halls about the consequences of getting behind the wheel after having too much to drink.

Friday, March 16, Student Union, 12:30 p.m. – Campus Ministry will hold a Remembrance Ceremony for those negatively impacted by alcohol. A special remembrance will be offered for Matthew Milgate, the Mercyhurst College sophomore who was killed March 17, 2005, in a traffic accident near the entrance to the college campus. Following the ceremony, students can enjoy a free lunch. The Celtic music band Ischabaha will perform and there will be a raffle where students can win free passes to the Erie Otters, Tinseltown, area bowling lanes, and win gift cards from Patti’s Pizza, Hollywood Video, Subway, Quizno’s and more.

Friday, March 16, Taylor Little Theatre, 8:30 p.m. – Hypnotist Keith Karkut will hypnotize student volunteers into thinking they are drunk, demonstrating the risky behavior that often ensues.

Saturday, March 17, Student Union, 9:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. – Casino Night features a DJ, free food and prizes, including an X-Box 360.

In addition, Tuesday through Thursday, March 13-15, Student Union, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. – Students can sign pledges to make safe and healthy choices regarding alcohol and receive a red alcohol awareness wrist band and alcohol risk card.

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