Hundreds participate in Soberfest
by Randa Anthony
Over 400 people were drunk driving around the school entrance with the police and the college officials cheering them on.
Does this sound right?
It does if you stopped and participated in some of the activities scheduled by the Student Government Association on April 13th and 14th located on Campus.
The drunk driving obstacle course was just one of the many events of Soberfest that took place to increase student awareness to the effects and regrets of alcohol in college society and in the area.
"Soberfest was the most successful of any type of event we’ve ever done," said Cory Tomasson, SGA advisor.
Tomasson estimates over 500 people took part in the activities. Many also took information provided by North Central Behavioral Systems and the LaSalle County Health Departments and care packages donated by the IVCC Athletic Department.
"I’m really glad we got such a tremendous student response, and we got the idea out that drinking doesn’t always produce a good time for college students," said current Student Trustee Chris Smith.
Advisor Cory Tomasson also said, "It was really impressive to see all of the local police departments working together.
"The State Police were first class," Tomasson said. "They were very professional and really communicated their ideas well with other students."
" I am really proud of the SGA, and would like to commend Chris Smith for getting this going and for a great job," Tomasson said.
Tomasson said the SGA would also like to thank The State Police, Gary Hanna for sharing his story, the Oglesby and LaSalle Police Departments, North Central Behavioral Systems, The Victim Impact Panel, The LaSalle County Health Department.
Also, the Physical Plant and Safety Services at IVCC for their help and manpower, The IVCC Athletic Department, The Criminal Justice Department for the car smashing fundraiser, the IVCC cafeteria for supplies, Econo Foods for baking cookies, and the local media providing coverage of the events.
The Apache April 29, 1999