Death results in annual campus party changes

The drinking-related death of a student at St. Thomas University in Fredericton has changed a campus tradition that started 23 years ago.

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

The annual party began in 1988 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 to Harrington Hall to drown their sorrows with friends.

That was the beginning of an event that students consider a 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 says it all changes this year after a tragic incident last October that involved another party at 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 apartment which 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 collected will 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 which include a breakfast, barbecue and 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.