Death results in annual campus party changes

The drinking-related death of a student at St. Thomas Universityin Frederictonhas changed acampus tradition that started 23 years ago.

EveryApril 6,residents at Harrington Hall used to spend the day drinking.

The annual partybegan in1988 when two students, who lived in the residence, couldn't get tickets to a Stevie Ray Vaughn concert. They ended up spending their ticket money on booze instead and returned toHarrington Hallto drown their sorrows with friends.

That was the beginning of an event that students considera St. Thomas tradition.Last year, Harrington Hall residents collected bottles all year and used the cash to buy alcohol for the April 6 party.

Harrington Hall student president Bobby Gaudet saysit allchanges this year aftera tragic incident last October that involved another partyat the residence.

Andrew Bartlett and the men's volleyball team started drinking at Harrington Hall. The night ended with Bartlett falling down the stairs at his apartmentwhich resulted in his death. Police said alcohol was a contributing factor.

"I think that it has influenced the university in many ways, how they look at events, and how they look at alcoholic events," said Gaudet. "We're not providing alcohol to our residents because we care about their safety."

This year Gaudet said all of the recycling money collectedwill support non-alcoholic activities on April 6. That's a decision all campus residences have agreed to abide by.

St. Thomas University dean of students, Larry Batt, said Bartlett will be remembered throughout events whichinclude a breakfast, barbecueand games.

"His death is very much part of our understanding of what we should do, and what we should not do on campus," Batt said.