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Last year at this time Adrian Heideman was a freshman, just like many of you reading this. He was new to campus and excited about learning and fitting in. Now he’s dead, which is why the Campus Alcohol and Drug Education Center has a few things it wants you to know.

Heideman died of acute alcohol poisoning last fall after consuming the greater part of a bottle of brandy during a fraternity party. The mission of CADEC, as it’s known, is to educate students about the dangers of over-indulging in alcohol, using illegal drugs and tobacco. Clearly, it’s an important mission.

Efforts will focus on the incoming freshman class, said Shauna Quinn, CADEC’s project manager. “We are working on a campaign with posters in the dorms with positive messages,” said Quinn. The messages will focus on other things to do in Chico besides drinking alcohol. CADEC will encourage freshman to get to know the community and the recreational activities it offers.

“All incoming freshman will be given cards with the list of symptoms,” added Quinn. CADEC wants students, especially freshmen, to know the signs of alcohol poisoning in their friends and to call for help. CADEC is also concerned with the safety of those who do choose to drink, and not just about drunk driving. Information about date rape and date rape drugs will be presented during freshman orientation.

The center is also starting up a 21st-birthday-card program. “We will send cards out to all who turn 21 with happy birthday wishes,” said Quinn, “asking them not to participate in the 21-shots-for-21-years tradition.” The cards will also list the symptoms of alcohol poisoning.

CADEC made headlines in Chico this past year with the results of its consumption survey and subsequent publicity campaign. Most students, it learned, drink less than is commonly believed. One doesn’t have to drink heavily to fit in, CADEC says.

This year CADEC conducted a campus-wide social-norming survey. The results will be available in August.

The Fun Without Alcohol Fair is CADECs largest event. Each spring the campus community puts together activity and educational booths on the lawn in front of Kendall Hall. This year’s fair was one of the largest in recent years. “The Greek community really went all out,” said Quinn. “[They] really participated this year.” The Greek community built their booths around educational messages, not just focusing on booze and drugs, but tobacco use as well, Quinn said. They also had pledges on hand for school children to sing—pledges to avoid using alcohol, drugs and tobacco.