It’s not every day that a resource center throws a 21st birthday party — complete with shots and a keg — in the MU Student Center. Then again, this wasn’t an everyday 21st birthday party.
The Wellness Resource Center held its 21st birthday party Wednesday afternoon, an event designed to inform and educate students about alternatives to heavy alcohol consumption and responsible drinking habits.
“It hit me this summer that (WRC was) turning 21, and we are very concerned about students who might consider drinking 21 shots on their 21st birthday, and we know that there is quite a tradition involved in turning 21,” WRC Director Kim Dude said. “We thought what a perfect time to have an event that would be fun but educational at the same time.”
Students were able to visit the center’s office in the lower level of the MU Student Center for free food, birthday cake and alternative alcohol drinks like “Tiger Paw” shots (made of grapefruit juice) and a keg of root beer. The event provided attendees with information regarding alcohol safety and responsible drinking habits.
“This year is the Wellness Resource Center’s 21st birthday, and since we do a lot of educational programming for students about how to have safe 21st birthday parties, we thought this would be a good way to incorporate that,” Peer Education Program graduate assistant Jenna Jordan said. “Students have this myth that 21 shots is something that’s feasible and doable and a rite of passage, but it’s incredibly dangerous.”
Part of WRC’s mission is to dispel that myth.
“We try to educate students that there are other things that they can do, and if they do choose to drink there are safer ways for them to do it and protective behaviors for them to try,” Jordan said.
One of the activities at the birthday party was a contest in which students competed for the best alternative 21s — doing 21 jumping jacks or giving 21 hugs on their 21st birthday instead of taking shots.
“It’s a safe way that people can know how to drink safely,” WRC volunteer Taylor Biddle said. “It’s very beneficial for someone to learn about health and how alcohol can effect your body.”
The birthday party comes on the verge of WRC’s Alcohol Responsibility Month in October, which will begin with a 12-Hour Walk event from noon to midnight Sept. 30. Greek Life chapters, residence halls and student organizations will form teams for the event and compete for a cash prize while being exposed to resources and information about alcohol responsibility.
Dude said the goals of the celebration go beyond simply informing students about alcohol safety.
“We want people to know where we’re located, so recognition of our office and for students to know there’s an office on campus that deals with these issues is very important to us,” she said.