The Vista Sept. 4, 1997

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University of Central Oklahoma

THURSDAY September 4, 1997

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The Student Voice Since 1903

Rush week no-drinking rule examined after recent tragedy By Colby Grieser Staff Writer

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ince an all night drinking binge turned deadly for a Louisiana State University (LSU) student recently, UCO fraternities and sororities have had strong opinions about the incident and UCO's non-drinking policy during the rush period. LSU student Benjamin Wynne, 20, was pledging Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity when he died of alcohol poisoning due to a drinking binge. Since then the fraternity has been suspended from the school. UCO has a no-drinking rule for all fraternities and sororities during the rush period. The rule was decided by the Interfraternity Council and is national legislation for all fraternities, but each fraternity makes up the definite guidelines, said Dean of Students Dr. Dudley Ryan. Although fraternity and sorority houses aren't on university property, they have to

follow university rules since they're affiliated with UCO, he said. Mack Sasser of Kappa Sigma fraternity said he agrees with the no-drinking policy. "I think its okay," said Sasser. "The guys need to come in here with a clear head and we need to have a clear head and be truthful about it." He also said the LSU fraternity received a fair punishment. "The fraternity house is responsible and liable for anyone in their house," said Sasser. Efrem Cooksey of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity (ATO) said he agrees with UCO's no-drinking policy during rush. "We try not to use alcohol as a rush tool," said Cooksey. "We talk about brotherhood, show them the house, show them our accomplishments and our goals and what we want to achieve through the next year and try to get to know more about them."

Sir Knight UCO professor Dr. Stephen Law displays armor used by medieval knights. Law participated in the Student Organizational Fair held in front of Broncho Lake last week. (Photo by Bryan Terry)

V See RUSH, Page 6

Student cyclist hit by car for second time on UCO crosswalk By Jim Hulsey Staff Writer For the second time in less than a year, a UCO student has been hit by a car while attempting to cross at a pedestrian crossing. Shannon Finley, a senior who has 20/200 vision and is legally blind, was cycling to class when she was hit while trying to cross Ayers Street near Central Cafeteria. Finley, who was not injured, said just as she began to enter the crosswalk a car

traveling west on Ayers stopped for her but then accelerated, hitting the front of her bicycle. The car then drove away. She described the vehicle as a large bluish-gray car. Finley said she has difficulty judging distance and speed but makes a practice of stopping to check on-coming traffic from both directions because just last spring she was hit by an automobile at this same location. She fell off her bike and received bruises. Some people believe something needs to be done to increase safety at this

particular crosswalk. "I have seen several near accidents at that location," said Finley's husband James, a senior advertising major. A UCO American Disabilities Act committee expressed concerns over the crosswalk last June. The committee, comprised of students, faculty and staff representatives, suggested new striping and lights with sound capabilities be installed at the crosswalk. Capt. Christopher Wooldrige, UCO public safety officer, said the university is responsible for streets from the center line

of University Drive eastward to the campus. Ayers is an Edmond city street, said Wooldridge. An Edmond police representative said any application for street signs must be submitted with the Edmond planning engineer. In the meantime, Finley said she has no choice but to continue using the crosswalk because she has to cross Ayers to get to and from her home everyday. She said ideally she would like to see a stop sign or stop light installed in place of the crosswalk to provide a safe crossing. op

INSIDE TODAY PROJECT Ar)Class gift project continues for sixth straight year.

PAGEANT UCO's Stacey Hudson vies for Mrs. America crown in Las Vegas.

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AROUND TOWN Check out what's happening in the OKC metro area this weekend.

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