Holbrook receives awards for addressing alcohol consumption issues

COLUMBUS – President Karen A. Holbrook received two awards for her leadership in changing the culture surrounding game-day behavior and alcohol consumption.

Holbrook said the awards are recognition of the university’s commitment and that of the community, students and fans to address the problem of excessive drinking associated with athletic events and other activities.

“I am truly appreciative of these honors, which I gratefully accept on behalf of the Ohio State community, administration, faculty, business partners, campus and Columbus police, residents and students who have worked together toward the goal of changing a culture of offensive fan behavior and alcohol abuse associated with pre- and post-game athletic events,” she said. “It will take time to be confident that the culture of excessive drinking in conjunction with college athletics and activities really has changed. But we believe we have turned a corner. And these acknowledgements are further proof that we made the right – though not necessarily popular – decisions.”

Holbrook received the Academy for Leadership Award on Thursday (10/14) at the Harding-Evans Foundation Academy for Leadership Breakfast. The fundraising event, co-sponsored by the Harding-Evans Foundation and OSU Harding Hospital, will benefit the OSU Student Choice Program, which emphasizes positive student behavior and activities.

In Washington, D.C., on Monday (10/18), Holbrook was honored with the Presidents Leadership Group Award at the U.S. Department of Education’s 18th annual National Meeting on Alcohol Drug Abuse and Violence Prevention in Higher Education. The annual conference allows university leaders to develop strategies for promoting safe and healthy learning and living environments. Later that day, Holbrook will serve on a panel with other university leaders to address the fiscal, legal and programmatic issues associated with drug and alcohol abuse and violence among college students.

Following disturbances at the 2002 Ohio State – Michigan game in Columbus, Holbrook convened a task force with Mayor Michael B. Coleman that included university and city administrators, students, community leaders and representatives from the media and business. The charge to the task force was to get to the root of the problem while developing game day policies and practices and changes to the neighborhood environment to prevent future disturbances.

Beginning last season, local law enforcement officials have stepped up their enforcement of open-container laws on football Saturdays. Reports of assaults, vandalism and physical and verbal abuse are down significantly.