A Friend of Ben

Many of you who read this blog, know of the program "Friends of Ben." This group came together to turn a tragedy into a positive for Clemson University. This program has been well-received in our community and attendance has been high as these men make a passionate appeal to heavy drinkers. It is a member of this group that was nominated and I would like to highlight as our last Citizen-of-the-Month for the Fall 2008 semester. Below is the nomination letter from Rusty Guill, Associate Associate Dean of Student Affairs, in support of Ben Leader, our November Citizen-of-the-Month: 

"I would like to nominate Ben Leader. Ben has been very instrumental and a lead coordinator with alcohol education programs in connection with the Ben Sprague death one year ago due to alcohol poisoning. Just in the past month he and a group of friends have presented the program "Friends of Ben" to groups at Clemson and Furman. It is estimated that about 1500 students have attended this presentation. Media was on hand for the presentation in Tillman Hall about 2 weeks ago. They have just been invited to take this program to Wofford. It is a program dedicated to discussing the dangers of risky drinking behavior. It is a very open and honest discussion about what can and does happen with alcohol at social events and the consequences of the risky behavior. 

Ben was also the lead coordinator with the candlelight vigil this past Sunday night to remember the passing of Ben Sprague. This was a very large and very well organized event." -Rusty Guill-

Thank you Ben, for your demonstration of the Clemson Core Values in such a meaningful way.

-JC-