The Southern

Issue date: 11/20/09 Section: News

World Aids Day is an awareness event utilized to encourage students to be responsible in their personal lives. On Dec. 1, the Healthy Campus Coalition group held its tenth annual celebration on the Florida Southern College campus. Each month the organization has a different awareness topic; November was a program on alcohol.

This year the WAD event had over 300 people in attendance and over 80 of them were tested for AIDS. In the previous year, the event was named the National Sexual Responsibility of the Year by Bacchus and Gamma.

Bacchus Gamma is a non-profit organization that focuses on health and safety initiatives on college campuses and in their surrounding communities. According to the Bacchus Network, the organization has more than 32,000 student leaders on more than 1,000 campuses around the world.

"That's a huge award so we are really excited," says Cathy Robinson, an organizer of the WAD program.

The event was held at the Wellness Center lawn and gym. The event consisted of a live DJ, free HIV and STD testing, free massages and information for participants. Statistics about HIV were on display around the lake and around campus. At 4 p.m., the event had a group walk around Lake Hollingsworth.

Participants were asked to either make a cash donation or a donation of a gift card for gifts for Friends-Together for children and teens who are affected by HIV. The evening concluded with a dinner and program in Thrift. The night event had testimonies of young people living with HIV, musical entertainment and student talent.

"I think the events were extreemly successful. We had over 300 people total and Miss Cathy and HCC couldn't be more proud of the work we've done. I think we're doing better each year, " HCC Student Supervisor, Nadia Rumbolt said.

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