For the second consecutive year, a California State University, Fresno student won the Student Leadership Award at the statewide CSU Alcohol and Other Drugs Education Conference.

Tam Powers, a graduate student in the Master of Public Health program, was honored for her work as co-chair of the Student Subcommittee of the Alcohol Advisory Council since 2003 and as Social Norms Project assistant since 2004.

Fresno State student Roberto Vaca won the same award at the 2005 conference.

As Student Subcommittee chair, Powers organized three large and successful campus events promoting moderation and safety with alcohol, each attracting 700-1,000 students.

As Social Norms Project assistant, she has: conducted surveys in first-year orientation classes; acted as survey coordinator for the 2005 and 2006 annual campus health surveys; conducted focus groups; helped shape media projects; appeared in a series of video public service announcements promoting responsible drinking shown at all home football games during the 2005 season; and mentored a senior health science intern.

She has raised more than $13,000 to support events and student participation at conferences.

In addition to Powers’ award, Fresno State received a Community Collaboration Award for the Students and Officers for Safety grant, which had peer educators and California Highway Patrol officers working together.

Fresno State’s presence also was seen at the conference in other ways. President John D. Welty gave opening remarks and 21 Fresno State students attended. Their participation was supported by IRA funds, the Parents Association and Division of Student Affairs.

In addition, Fresno State students and staff were involved in presenting workshops and panel discussions at the conference in Ontario.

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