By Paige Kube
Copy Editor
Washington College’s Panhellenic Council presents the first Stand UP Stand OUT symposium, offering college women a chance to discuss the effects of negative peer pressure and explore ways to make a difference on campus. Whether mental, emotional, or physical pressure, Stand UP Stand OUT allows women to develop a plan to better deal with these issues.
AOII, AXΩ, and ZTA have come together to start a movement for college women to take a stand against this pressure.
The guest speaker, Dr. Lori Hart, AOII alumnae, is a representative of the organization Campus Speak and delivers speeches to college students regarding alcohol usage, Greek life, leadership, and relationships. She has also spoken at many Leadership Conferences for various Greek organizations.
Sophomore and Zeta Tau Alpha’s Director of Member Enrichment Kaitlyn Sidney-Werner is coordinating the event. She said, “Dr. Lori Hart was chosen because she holds impeccable reviews from college campuses nationwide and she has experience in discussing many of the controversial issues that face college women today.”
Juniors Reese Laricks and Nora Burns, who heard Hart speak at a conference over the summer, praise her for her humor and understanding.
“Dr. Lori Hart was an incredibly engaging speaker,” Laricks said. “She was very funny yet could still address real issues in a serious way. She kept my attention for her entire seminar. I’m really excited for her to come to WC.”
Burns said, “Dr. Hart was very entertaining. She talked about current issues that every girl in the room could relate to. She had a great sense of humor and approached the topics in a way that was very engaging.”
Sidney-Werner said that the goal of the event is “to make a lasting impression on our campus community and provide insightful and effective information to our women that with the right skills, attitude, and support, you can STAND UP for anything.”
Although this event is directed toward women on campus, men will certainly be part of the conversation and are encouraged to attend as well.
The event will take place on Wednesday, April 18 at 8 p.m. in the Cain Gymnasium.