Tuesday, September 14, 2004

Sept. 14, 2004

Wilmington, N.C.– The University of North Carolina at Wilmington was among three universities to be honored today in Washington, D.C., for developing and implementing programs on their campuses throughout the year to effectively prevent overconsumption of alcoholic beverages and underage drinking.

Representing UNCW were Rosemary DePaolo, chancellor; Patricia Leonard, vice chancellor; and Rebecca J. Caldwell, director of Crossroads. They received a plaque and a $5000 grant from Dr. Edward Hammond, chairman of the Inter-Association Task Force on Alcohol and Other Substance Abuse Issues (IATF), for having the highest scores in national competition in conjunction with National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week (NCAAW). The universities were judged for significant use of an evidence-based approach in their prevention efforts, as well as comprehensive year-round alcohol education programming, collaboration and support for NCAAW. Coors Brewing Company sponsored the awards with IATF.

After receiving the award, UNCW representatives met with their senators and representatives to brief them on how the programs are addressing alcohol abuse on campus.

Hammond said, "I am very pleased to recognize these three institutions for their outstanding programming that is helping solve the problems of underage drinking and overconsumption. Their sustained efforts are making a difference.”

UNCW received the award along with the University of Nebraska and the University of Richmond.