Newly created Officer's Call creates atmosphere where senior students can learn 'responsible drinking'

By Phil Aucoin
Norwich Guidon Staff Writer

In an effort to teach responsible drinking in social settings, Norwich seniors who are of legal drinking age are now allowed to consume alcohol weekly on Friday nights for one hour in the new Officers' Call, located in the Milano Ballroom.

"This really allows interaction between faculty, students and staff. For those who are going to drink, this makes it the most responsible way," said Norwich History Professor Tom Taylor. "This Officers' Call has nothing to do with binge drinking; it's simply just a couple of casual drinks."

The Officers' Call is an opportunity for Norwich seniors to attend a social setting on campus while enjoying casual drinks with the faculty.

"This is great for Norwich students, because it prepares [them] for when [they] have to attend an officers' call in the military," said Jake Sotiriadis, a senior international studies major from Hampstead, NH.

"It's set up so we can all learn good social relations between our peers, advisors, faculty, staff and coaches," said Maggie Denison, 21, a senior communications major from Hopewell Junction, NY.

"Having a social setting for both corps and civilian seniors to drink really helps people interact with each other," said Sotiriadis.

According to Sotiriadis, it's also a great way to stay on campus while getting a great atmosphere.

"This is also a great way to have fun and stay on campus while being safe," said Denison. "This way we don't have to worry about drunk drivers and designated drivers."

"Some of the students that attended the Officers' Call were simply drinking non-alcoholic beverages of their choice," said Taylor.

There wasn't that big of a turnout the past couple of weeks at the Officers' Club, according to Denison. "I'd say there were about 30 students and ten advisors, faculty and staff members."

"I think that this will really help me, because it teaches you how to start a conversation with someone that you might not have anything in common with," said Denison.

"The most difficult thing to do when meeting new people is starting new conversations with strangers," said Taylor.

To get more details on this event, contact the student activities office on the top floor in Harmon Hall.

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