Solo Cup Culture: Minimizing the Risks of an Alcohol-Soaked Campus Climate

In college, Jake fully immersed himself in the drinking world. He was a DJ, a fraternity member and a representative for Red Bull, throwing parties all over the state of Ohio. Not only was he participating in college partying—he had a unique, bird’s eye view of the college drinking community.

While serving in these roles, Jake found himself in many harmful situations as a result of his alcohol consumption. After many dangerous encounters caused concern to Jake and those around him, he began to question his behavior, as well as the behavior of his friends and peers.

In his keynote, Jake asks, “Why do many college students continue to drink even after experiencing alcohol related harm?” He guides students through his personal journey to discovering his own drinking problem, and reveals how he created a solution specific to his own needs. Jake challenges the conventional definitions of common terms associated with alcohol abuse, such as “problem drinking” and “binge drinking.” He sheds new light on these topics and brings a modern twist to the discussion of harm reduction. Jake’s message is not that alcohol is bad; rather, the harm and danger that can come along with it is the problem.

Jake calls every student into action, regardless of level of abuse or abstinence from alcohol. He mobilizes students to create a communal movement against alcohol related harm. Through interactive discussions on topics like bystander intervention, to what “problem drinking” really means, Jake intends to utilize the millions of intelligent minds on college campuses to create a new culture, where responsible use of alcohol and safety are priorities.