U.Va. is known for its traditions. Most of them are harmless. One, however, has proven to be deadly.
The "fourth-year fifth" entails fourth-year students drinking a fifth of liquor during the last home football game of the season.
In 1997, Leslie Baltz died from an alcohol related incident on game day. Whether or not she actually was attempting the fourth-year fifth is unknown, said Marianne Bonday, the assistant director at the Center for Alcohol and Substance Education.
"What is known is that she had been drinking," Bonday said. "She was left alone and passed out. When she woke up, she was by herself and fell down some stairs."
In an attempt to combat the tradition and promote alcohol awareness, the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Team, Peer Health Educators and Fourth-year Trustees are sponsoring the annual Alcohol Awareness Week.
Coinciding with the last home football game of the season, AAW consists of fun and educational programs geared toward raising the awareness of dangerous drinking habits at the University.
"This is one week where the various organizations try to really increase students' awareness of the effects of alcohol abuse and the benefits of using it in a safe environment, if they choose to drink at all," Bonday said.
The week kicked off last night in the Lower West Oval Room of the Rotunda at 7 with "SPEAK OUT!" After hearing a University graduate speak about how alcohol has affected her life, students were given the opportunity to address the audience.
Tonight's program will feature Dr. Jean Kilbourne in Clark Hall auditorium at 7. Kilbourne will speak about how the alcohol and tobacco industries market their products to specific populations.
"She uses a highly visible presentation -- magazine and billboard ads -- to show how they're selling this addictive mindset," Bonday said.
The activities continue tomorrow evening in Jefferson Hall at 5 p.m., where two ADAPT members will present "I know what you did last night -- but you don't."
The program will address the "effects of high-risk drinking and how to confront a friend that you suspect may have a drinking problem," Bonday said.
Saturday before the game, students are invited to attend the AAW tailgate for free Big Jim's Barbeque and live music. The tailgate will be held in the Amphitheater from 3 to 5 p.m., ending just before the start of the game at 5:30 p.m.
Throughout the week, the Fourth-Year Trustees are asking fourth-year students to sign a pledge promising that they will not attempt the fourth-year fifth. Last year, over 1,300 students signed the pledge.
"The large majority of fourth-years are not attempting it, but the name has really lived on," Bonday said.
She stressed the importance of promoting alcohol awareness throughout the entire year.
"I think it's an important week," she said. "But what's most important is promoting it throughout the year and really integrating alcohol awareness throughout the year so it's not just something students think about one week per year."
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