Susan Cheever at MHC September 25

Posted: September 17, 2007

Updated: September 26, 2007 - Listen to the audio.

Susan Cheever, novelist, nonfiction writer, and columnist, whose powerful memoirs include Note Found in a Bottle: My Life as a Drinker and My Name Is Bill--Bill Wilson: His Life and the Creation of Alcoholics Anonymous, will speak on Tuesday, September 25, at 7 pm in Gamble Auditorium.

Cheever, the daughter of author John Cheever, has written for many publications including the New Yorker and the New York Times. She has taught at Yale University and serves on the faculty of the Bennington College M.F.A. Program. She won a Guggenheim Fellowship, received the Boston Globe's Winship Book Award, and was a National Book Critics Circle Award finalist.

In 1977, Mount Holyoke College became one of the first women's colleges in the country to implement a comprehensive program to address issues of alcohol and other drugs, through a grant from the R. Brinkley Smithers Foundation. The Alcohol and Drug Awareness Project (ADAP) was created to provide alcohol and other drug education, intervention, and counseling to students. Today, Mount Holyoke continues to be at the forefront of providing comprehensive college alcohol and other drug programs that speak to women's issues.

The project is celebrating its thirtieth anniversary this fall and so will highlight its history, progress, and current work. The goals in recognizing the project's thirtieth anniversary are to increase understanding of the effects of chemical dependency on individuals and families, highlight the work of the project to the College, and "give voice" to alumnae and current students who are dealing with these concerns.

Embracing a grassroots, community development model, with a strong personal presence, the Alcohol and Drug Awareness Project provides a continuum of care that is visible, accessible, and responsive to student and college needs. The project works to create an environment that supports responsible decision making and decreases risk-taking behavior, and which supports students who choose not to use alcohol and/or other drugs.

According to Susan McCarthy, director/therapist for the project, "We work with a wide range of students---those who are experiencing difficulties with their own use of alcohol or other drugs or those questioning their use and the negative impact it is having on their lives. In addition, we work with those who have been affected by, or are concerned about, someone else's use of alcohol or other drugs. There continues to be an enormous amount of stigma, guilt, and shame connected with those with substance abuse problems, which often makes it difficult for students to access the help they need." The project works to reach out and make these resources as available and accessible as possible. Strict federal confidentiality regulations insure that students' anonymity will be protected, making it easier for them to access care.

Unique to MHC's program is the power of support through a very strong alumnae network specific to the project. There are approximately 135 alumnae, those in recovery and/or professionals in the field of substance abuse, who make themselves available to assist students.

Schedule of Events
The following events are sponsored by the Health Center to mark the thirtieth anniversary of MHC's Alcohol and Drug Awareness Project (ADAP).

September 24-October 28
A visual exhibition highlighting the history of the Alcohol and Drug Awareness Project Williston Library, Mount Holyoke College

Tuesday, September 25
Keynote Event
Susan Cheever, author of Note Found in a Bottle: My Life as a Drinker and My Name Is Bill: Bill Wilson-His Life and the Creation of Alcoholics Annonymous
7 pm, Gamble Auditorium, Art Building, Mount Holyoke College
Reception and book signing with the Odyssey Bookshop immediately following, in the MHC Art Museum lobby

Friday, October 26
"In Our Own Voice: Sharing Stories of Recovery," a panel presentation relating ADAP Alumnae Network personal stories about the impact of alcohol and other drug problems on individuals and their families and their journeys of recovery.
4:30 pm, Gamble Auditorium, Art Building, Mount Holyoke College
Reception immediately following in the Mount Holyoke Art Museum Lobby

Saturday, October 27
Breakfast for recovering ADAP Alumnae Network members and current students in recovery, followed by a group support meeting. Space is limited. RSVP required. Call 413-538-2616 or email Susan McCarthy.
10 am-noon, Blanchard Campus Center, Mount Holyoke College

For more information, contact Karen Jacobus, coordinator of health education, or call 413-538-2466.

Related Link:

MHC Health Services

This notice expired on October 23, 2007.

Permanent link to this story: http://www.mtholyoke.edu/news/story/5458067

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