03/16/11 ema

HAYS, Kan. -- The Alpha Chi Omega Foundation and Fort Hays State University's Greek Life are sponsoring the presentation "Kristin's Story: A Story of Acquaintance Rape and Depression" for the campus and Hays community.

This proactive, co-educational rape education program is at 7:30 p.m., on Wednesday, April 13, in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center. Admission is free and open to the public.

"Kristin's Story" describes a young woman's acquaintance rape and subsequent suicide in 1995 as told by her mother, Andrea Cooper. Her narrative shares the deeply moving account of her daughter, a Baker University student and member of Alpha Chi Omega Sorority.

"I am sharing this because I hope by telling Kristin's story that other lives will be saved, and other young women will not be victims of acquaintance rape, and that those suffering from depression, for any reason, will get help," said Cooper.

In 1998, Cooper, a member of Delta Delta Delta Sorority, decided to share "Kristin's Story" with Greek communities across the country. The response was overwhelming and a new rape education program was born. Cooper has shared the story with young women and men at more than 300 campuses and conferences worldwide.

The program seeks to raise awareness and provide resources for acquaintance-date rape education. The program is currently funded by a grant from the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation.

Alpha Chi Omega is a values-driven sorority founded in 1885. It has 132 chapters across the United States. It's mission is to enrich the lives of members through lifetime opportunities for friendship, leadership, learning and service.

For more information contact Vincent Bowhay, coordinator for Greek Life and Student Involvement at 785-628-4664 or e-mail csi@fhsu.edu.