Aaron Cooksey spoke in the Lyceum about his personal experiences with drunk driving. Photo by Ben Hoppenworth
GRETTA STARK STAFF WRITER
Wartburg Athletics and Alcohol Wisdom And Real Education collaborated to bring an alcohol-safety event to campus this year.
On Tuesday, Oct. 6, Aaron Cooksey spoke to a full Lyceum about his experiences with drunk driving, and their consequences.
Cooksey crashed his truck into a telephone poll, killing his best friend while driving drunk and subsequently spent four years in prison.
Cooksey’s slogan, “drop your pride, too many have died” is his effort to keep others from repeating his mistake. Cooksey described the way his own life had been destroyed by his friend’s death.
Cooksey spoke to an audience of primarily athletes, although the event was open to all students. He challenged the students in the auditorium to never drive drunk or ride with anyone who drives drunk.
“If you’ll do everything in your power to make the next best choice, I want you to stand up. Who are my leaders?” Cooksey said. The entire Lyceum stood.
Newsom and Monica Severson, associate director of athletics, decided to advertise the Aaron Cooksey speech together in an effort to bring in more of an audience.
“We just thought it was a great chance to collaborate with athletics, but it’s definitely for the entire student body,” said Newsom.