Alison Gay is one of the most well-known slap-the-bag players on campus.
The junior studying social work can be seen around countless dormitory rooms and houses in one of this year's new Beyond the Buzz posters, where she is laughing excitedly and pointing to a closed bag of wine for a fellow pretend drinker.
It makes me feel like a role model
and that people watch me closer she said of her newfound recognition. About 10 people have recognized her this quarter, she added.
When Ohio University created the program four years ago, other schools were surprised the posters warned of the side effects of drinking rather than outright discouraged it, said Terry Koons, associate director of Health Promotions.
It doesn't say 'Don't drink.' We're going down a different road
he said.
The 2,000 posters printed this year cost about $1 each and are funded by payments to Ohio University Judiciaries from those caught drinking underage. Students pose in the pictures for free and a few volunteer their homes for the photo shoot.
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and some might think it's unusual or has a counterproductive message. That's OK
because the message is being circulated
Koons said.
Although the posters are well-intentioned, many students have trouble taking them seriously, said sophomore Brad Sohner.
Things like (the phrase) 'beyond the buzz' almost trivialize it while the facts are printed smaller
he said. It's easier to make fun of it for being cheesy because of the big pictures.
Gay said that although acting drunk and excited with strangers was difficult, she was pleased with her poster and hopes to keep students aware of the downside to drinking.
When people are doing high risk drinking in a college atmosphere
some forget how it will affect them today and in the future
she said.
As for those who have stolen a few Beyond the Buzz posters for their walls, Koons said it's fine by him.
Anybody can have as many as they want
he said.
