When campus gathered for President’s Ball last Saturday night, the Searle Center pulsed to XBAND’S beat, glowed with colorful decorations, and sheltered quite a few students who had thrown back far too many drinks.
Director of Student Activities Ashlyn Landherr and Assistant Director of Student Activities Hank Prim said that the Ball showcased tame behavior as compared to previous years. Still, big men stumbled across the room as their buddies hoisted them up under their armpits. Young ladies wearing their prettiest dresses slumped on the velvety staircase. Rowdier partiers flailed violently as Student Activities Board staffers pressed them back to clear a space for the king and queen’s dance with President Larry Arnn and Mrs. Arnn. Someone even vomited right on the dance floor.
Even if Hillsdale cleaned up its act overall this President’s Ball, the improvement doesn’t excuse the many who obviously over-indulged. Binge drinking is dangerous, but the short- and long-term physical ramifications may not persuade someone ready to let loose and drink up. A more convincing point is that binge drinking is simply selfish. One crazy night might be fun for the girl seven shots into a bottle of Absolut, but the aftermath won’t make a good time for the loyal friend or caretaker holding back her hair or driving her to the hospital.
When it comes time for Hillsdale students to get ready for the next fun weekend, another big party, or even Centralhallapalooza, everyone planning to have a good time should make sure a good time is had by everyone. A couple drinks before a night out dancing can be enjoyed by all can be a bit of harmless fun. But when two beers turn into a six-pack plus more than a couple shots of cheap rum mixed with Coke, things can only end badly, or at least unpleasantly. College is about community, which operates on responsibility and trust. Don’t forget that the next time you pop a bottle for weekend shenanigans.