Safer Drinking at SCU: Galaxy Events
By Monet Elizabeth Oosthuizen
In recent years and especially months, the safety of the party culture surrounding Santa Clara has been called into question and raised major concern. I sat down with Allen Rudakov, a second-year student at SCU, who decided to take it upon himself to curate an exciting opportunity to promote a safer drinking environment.
Allen, along with his partners from both SCU and Stanford, will be hosting an event on June 1st at 386 Lounge for SCU and Stanford students exclusively.
First and foremost, these students realized the importance of ensuring a safe environment for everyone to enjoy. They recognized that while it is impossible to eliminate all risks, measures can be taken to safeguard against potential dangers. To ensure a safe drinking experience, the event organizers consulted Title IX representatives from Santa Clara and Stanford University, who provided guidance on safety protocols and risk mitigation strategies.
One of the primary concerns with regular club parties is the presence of random attendees, which increases the potential for unsafe situations. To address this, the event organizers decided to host the event exclusively for Santa Clara and Stanford University students. By eliminating outsiders, the organizers sought to establish a sense of community and trust among the party-goers, as well as being able to control the flow of people and maintain accountability. Security is personally sourced by Allen and entrance will be given to those with valid students ID’s.
Unlike typical club parties, this event was conceived and organized by students themselves, reflecting their genuine concern for the well-being of their peers. In addition to limiting the event to university students, the organizers went a step further to prioritize safety. The organizers will be providing drink testers to detect substances such as roofies and fentanyl. Furthermore, Narcan will be readily available at the event. This comprehensive approach to safety sets this event apart from others and promotes a responsible drinking culture.
To enhance the party experience, the organizers decided on a 2000s Met Gala theme, encouraging attendees to dress up and immerse themselves in the nostalgia of the era. The music selection will include throwback 2000s hits, hip-hop, and rap music mixed by Steez, a student at Stanford University.
This collaborative event, initiated by a concerned student combining his love of curating fun clubbing experiences and promoting safety for all, showcases a unique approach to promoting safe drinking experiences for Santa Clara and Stanford University students. As a testament to their commitment to student welfare, this event serves as a model for future parties, encouraging responsible partying and prioritizing the well-being of all attendees. This is only the start of what these students hope will be a new tradition for what Thursday nights at SCU can look like. The future of Galaxy events will feature outreach to more venues and opportunities for fun, safe drinking experiences, as well as exciting headline artists opened for by student bands.
Check out more details about the specifics of their kick-off event through the link below, as well as more information on ticketing.