SRU students mix mocktails, college safety
Iced coffee mixed with Pepsi tastes either like a float or burnt wood, said University of Slippery Rock freshman Chris Pine.
“I love the idea,” said Pine, 18, about the university's Alcohol Free Mix-Off that promotes college safety about alcohol. “I have a lot more fun without alcohol than with.”
The Kappa Sigma brother's non-alcoholic beverage called “Wise Guy,” which was inspired by the movie “The Godfather,” was one of about 14 creations from other campus fraternities and sororities vying for the title of best non-alcoholic drink.
The fraternities and sororities put a classic Hollywood spin on mocktails last week at the university's event, cosponsored by AAA Insurance.
Each of the fraternities and sororities were encouraged to participate in the activity that promotes an alternative to drinking alcohol, said sophomore Victoria Cooper, Panhellenic Council vice president of education.
Served along with the mocktails was a side of education on responsible drinking.
Students should feel comfortable if they choose not to drink alcohol, said Cooper, 19.
The Good Samaritan law is one piece of information students learned, said junior Alison Jones, Panhellenic Council vice president of judicial affairs.
Pennsylvania law changed last November to expand the immunity from prosecution, or Good Samaritan protections, for underage drinkers that need medical assistance, according to JD Law, a law firm in State College. In the past, the person that called for medical assistance was often protected from prosecution, but the person that needed the medical assistance was not. Now, if certain conditions are met, the caller and the person needing medical assistance are both immune from prosecution.
The new law called “Safe Harbor” wants to encourage underage drinkers to get medical help from a friend without fearing that the caller will get themselves into trouble.
If one student learned something, whether it's the legal limit or laws, the event would be successful, said Jones, 21.
Sophomore Jaime Shelton, a Sigma Sigma Sigma sister, brought Hawaii and the beach to the campus with her sorority's mocktail based on a fishbowl. The drink included blue raspberry, lemonade, Sprite and Swedish Fish candy, while her presentation focused on Hawaii drinking facts.
“Everyone associates Greek life with drinking,” said Shelton, 19. “We do other things than drink.”
Shelton's advice to incoming college students is to concentrate on schoolwork.
“Focus on school,” she said. “There's always going to be a party.”
The Safe Harbor law states that the caller shall not be prosecuted if he/she can show:That law enforcement or police only became aware of the underage drinking violation because the caller contacted 911, campus safety or some other police or emergency services personnel.He reasonably believed that he was the first person to seek medical assistance for a person to prevent death or serious injury.He provided his name to the 911 operator, police, or emergency personnel.He remained with the person needing medical assistance until emergency responders arrived.SOURCE: JD Law
