By Erin Brody, Arts and Culture Editor
Each semester, Saint Vincent College students are always thinking of ways to make the most out of their time. Maybe that’s through joining a club, cutting out bad habits, or meeting new people. One place students can find all three of these things is through SVC’s newest organization: Valt.
Valt is an acronym that stands for Vinny’s Alternative Leadership Team, and it made its first campus appearance late last fall semester during Activity Programming Board’s (APB) Casino Night. The student-run organization’s goal is to promote healthy choices, specifically forming healthy habits if a student chooses to partake in drug or alcohol use. Along with that, Valt helps students who recognize they are struggling with substance abuse.
Meghan Albertelli, prevention specialist and faculty supervisor of Valt, said the formation of Valt began in late April of 2022 with the help of a government grant called the Block Grant.
“Basically, the state realized that there was a huge gap in education when it came to college students,” Albertelli said. “All throughout school growing up, kids are put through drug and alcohol prevention classes and taught about the dangers of use. Once they graduate, however, all that education stops.”
Albertelli also explained that if a person were to be educated on substance use after high school, chances are it will be a required course due to being charged with a D.U.I. With that being said, Valt is a chance to create preventative measures for students.
“It’s important for students to realize that you can still have an amazing college experience without doing the ‘normal’ college activities like drinking and using drugs,” Albertelli said. “The overall goal is to change this social norm on campus with fun, interactive events that everyone can enjoy!”
One student who wanted to help create these events is Zoey Baran, a sophomore history major. Baran, who is also a leader for ABP, first heard about Valt while at the National Association for Campus Activities (NACA) conference. While at NACA, she met Albertelli who explained why Valt should be established.
“I thought it was a great way for students on campus to have healthy ways to cope with the stress of college,” Baran said.
For now, both Baran and Albertelli said Valt partners with APB in order to create interest among potential members. They are also looking forward to the day when Valt can hold its own event.
“I would love to do a silent disco/concert event, but we’ll see!” Albertelli added.
Be sure to follow Valt on Instagram (@SVC_Valt) for updates and upcoming events! If you are interested in joining or have a suggestion for Valt, please DM them through their Instagram account.
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