Greeks to throw alcohol-free bash

Campus chapters of the Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity and Alpha Phi sorority are treating University students to an alcohol-free party on Palmer Field from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. tomorrow.

Organizers said the event was created to draw attention to changing attitudes about alcohol use on campus.

"We want to raise awareness about the issue and to show that we can do something positive for the community," said Alpha Phi member and LSA junior Sarah Franke, who helped organize the event.

"In the past the Greek system has been looked on in a negative way in a number of areas especially alcohol," said Alpha Sigma Phi member Albert Bell, an Engineering sophomore and event coordinator.

The event falls on the one-year anniversary of the death of University student Courtney Cantor, who died from injuries she sustained after falling from her sixth floor Mary Markley Residence Hall window.

Cantor was seen drinking at a Phi Delta Theta fraternity party prior to her death. But organizers stressed that the date of the event was not planned to coincide with the anniversary of Cantor's death.

Organizers said they scheduled the event for this weekend because it coincided with a break in the football schedule.

"You can have a good time without alcohol," said Interfraternity Council Vice President of Internal Affairs Adam Silver, who is also a member of Alpha Sigma Phi and an Engineering senior.

There will be booths for different organizations, including Student Against Drunk Driving and the IFC, to answer students' questions and to supply information about alcohol.

Brian Perry - a songwriter for Shawn Mullins - and local bands Twilight and Seamour will provide live music. Entertainment will also include a padded jousting game for participants.

10-15-99