Index of University Press Releases

Feb. 18, 2008

DWU announces peer educators in tobacco prevention initiative

Back row, left to right: Fossum, Mack, Vanden Berge, Miller. Middle row, left to right: Hebert, LaValliere, Duffy. Front row, Schoenfelder.

MITCHELL – Gwenda Koch, vice president of campus life, announced the peer educators who will serve as members of the tobacco prevention initiative team at DWU.

Students selected as peer educators are Katy Duffy, Platte; Derik Fossum, Canton; Mason Hebert, Waco, Texas; Tanner LaValliere, Sioux Falls; Shannon Mack, Mobridge; Karissa Miller, Draper; Wade Schoenfelder, Huron; and Lacey Vanden Berge, Corsica.

“Trained in communication, problem-solving and prevention skills, these student volunteers will work on campus and in the community to promote tobacco use prevention and cessation,” said Koch. “Students will be available to give group presentations and in-service training. They will also serve as consultants for groups like the Mitchell Coalition for Tobacco Prevention, and area schools and church youth groups.”

Students attended the “Day at the Capital – Working for a Smoke-Free South Dakota” and will attend the National Tobacco Symposium on Young Adults held in California over spring break in March.

Freshmen were chosen for this group with the plan that they will stay together during their time at DWU and train future classes of peer educators.

Students will be supervised by Koch; Susie Hadrick, director of residential life; and Donna Gerlach, campus nurse.