Safety is key focus during Grand Prix
With the Purdue University Grand Prix race coming up on Saturday, student Chris Lee is somewhat at a loss as to how to describe the partying and drinking that often accompanies the infamous celebration.
“You have magazines calling this the greatest weekend in college history,” Lee, 22, said. “You have to experience it to understand it.”
But with crackdowns on alcohol-related offenses in the Greek system coming more frequently and open discussions about how to address drinking concerns across campus, much of Purdue is focused on how to make Grand Prix less outrageous and more safe.
Zach Brettnacher, president of the Interfraternity Council, said the Greek system brought a national speaker to campus last week in an attempt to warn students about the dangers of overconsumption.
“Mark Sterner was involved in a car accident where three of his friends were killed and one survived but no longer talks to him,” he said. “It’s a good reminder that you always need to be responsible about your decisions … and to make sure everybody gets in the right mindset.”
Lindsey Baker, a graduate administrative professional from the Office of the Dean of Students, is overseeing Grand Alternative — a string of nearly 40 non-alcoholic Grand Prix events — this year.
“In years past, it has been a successful event and has helped reduce the drinking on campus,” she said. “We had around 15,000 kids participate last year, and every year it grows.”
Brettnacher said Grand Alternative events are a great way for students to have fun and be safe this weekend.
Not drinking is “truly the only 100 percent way to be safe,” he said.
Nwokedi Idika, 22, a graduate student at Purdue, said Grand Prix troubles seem most pervasive among undergraduates.
“Grad students are more focused on work and research,” he said. “I know a lot of people who are going to have picnics, but that’s all.”
Emily Saul, president of the Panhellenic Association, the governing body of sororities on campus, hopes this year students will have fun while remembering why the weekend exists to begin with.
“Purdue really wants to make it a celebration of the race,” Saul said. “I have tickets for the race for the first time this year and I’m really excited. I haven’t been in town for it before.”
