KU News Release

Speaker to share story of drunken driving accident with KU audience

Mark Sterner

LAWRENCE — Mark Sterner’s life changed drastically when three of his best friends and fraternity brothers were killed in a drunken driving crash during a spring break trip.

Sterner will visit the University of Kansas to share his story, titled “DUI: A Powerful Lesson.” He will speak at 6:30 and 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 30, at the ballroom in the Kansas Union. The event is sponsored by Student Union Activities, Rock Chalk Responsible Choices and Greek Life.

Sterner, then a senior at Johnson and Wales University, was the least intoxicated of his friends when he took the wheel that night in 1994. He woke up the next morning in a hospital room, critically injured and facing three felony manslaughter convictions. He spent three years in a Florida prison.

During his presentation, Sterner shows a video he and his friends made during their trip. Images of laughing college kids driving from one bar to the next, downing shots of alcohol and dancing are followed by still photos of the car after the crash. Sterner hopes that by sharing his experience, students will make smart choices about alcohol.

Free vouchers are available at the Union Programs box office, Level 4 in the Kansas Union, and will be available at the door until seats are no longer available. For more information, call (785) 864-SHOW or visit the SUA Web site. For more information regarding other SUA events, e-mail Adam Collins, director of public relations.

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The University of Kansas is a major comprehensive research and teaching university. University Relations is the central public relations office for KU's Lawrence campus.