Vol. 38, No. 18

1-19-2005
By:

Holbrook receives awards for addressing alcohol consumption issues

President Karen Holbrook is receiving national attention for her leadership in changing the culture surrounding game-day behavior and alcohol consumption.

Holbrook said the awards are recognition of the university’s commitment and that of the community, students and fans to address the problem of excessive drinking associated with athletic events and other activities.

“I am truly appreciative of these honors, which I gratefully accept on behalf of the Ohio State community, administration, faculty, business partners, campus and Columbus police, residents and students who have worked together toward the goal of changing a culture of offensive fan behavior and alcohol abuse associated with pre- and post-game athletic events,” she said. “It will take time to be confident that the culture of excessive drinking in conjunction with college athletics and activities really has changed. But we believe we have turned a corner. And these acknowledgements are further proof that we made the right — though not necessarily popular — decisions.”

Holbrook received the Academy for Leadership Award at the Harding-Evans Foundation Academy for Leadership Breakfast. The Oct. 14 event, co-sponsored by the Harding-Evans Foundation and OSU Harding Hospital, emphasized positive student behavior and activities.

Also in October, Holbrook was honored with the Presidents Leadership Group Award at the U.S. Department of Education's 18th Annual National Meeting on Alcohol Drug Abuse and Violence Prevention in Higher Education in Washington, D.C. Bestowed annually by the Center for College Health and Safety (CCHS), the award recognizes the important contributions presidents make in substance abuse prevention and the difference these efforts make on campus and in the larger community. The annual conference allows university leaders to develop strategies for promoting safe and healthy learning and living environments. At that meeting, Holbrook served on a panel with other university leaders to address the fiscal, legal and programmatic issues associated with drug and alcohol abuse and violence among college students.

And in December, Holbrook was again recognized by CCHS during the statewide CHOICES Implementation Training program, held at Ohio State. The CHOICES program, an alcohol prevention program that trains university professionals on how to help college students make low-risk choices when they are drinking, provided an appropriate backdrop for local presentation of the Presidents Leadership Group Award to Holbrook.

\0

onCampus Home