In 1990, Carolyn Cornelison called a college friend with the tragic news of a drunk-driving accident involving a fellow sorority sister. “Oh, Carolyn,” came the reply. “We always thought it would be you.” Cornelison was speechless. She now realized that as far back as her college days, her friends knew she had a problem with alcohol. But no one had ever confronted her about it.
Cornelison will bring her message “Courage to Care” to UL 鶹ýapp on Feb. 27 at 5 p.m. in the Student Union Ballroom. She travels to universities across the country to help educate students about the warning signs of out-of-control drinking and how to help friends with alcohol problems. During her presentation, she shares her personal stories of campus life as both a sorority member and athlete.
She teaches students her three keys to caring:
• Knowledge: Understanding the signs of out-of-control behaviors and knowing what to do about them
• Sensitivity: Becoming aware of these behaviors in yourself and those around you
• Courage: Taking steps to help someone who has a problem with alcohol.
“ The majority of students are doing the right thing,” said Cornelison. “What I try to do is to give students the information they need to identify that minority of their friends who may have a problem with alcohol and to get them the help they need.”
Cornelison has participated in awareness programs for college fraternities and sororities, athletic departments and other college organizations at more than 150 campuses nationwide. She holds a Ph.D. from Florida State University where she worked as director of the Campus Alcohol and Drug Information Center for four years. Most recently, she was director of Special Projects for the BACCHUS & GAMMA Peer Education Network. He career also includes and extensive background in student activities and intramural sports programming.
Her visit is sponsored by Schilling Distributing. The event is free. For more information, contact UL 鶹ýapp Student Affairs at (337) 482-6267.