Contact: Kay Fike Jones
A nationally known date rape survivor will keynote Sexual Assault Awareness Week Sept. 14-18 at Mississippi State University.
Katie Koestner's address, titled "No-Yes," will begin at 7:30 p.m. on the 16th in Lee Hall auditorium. Now a sexual assault prevention advocate, Koestner has received considerable attention for discussing her rape while a student at the College of William and Mary in Virginia.
Her program and other activities during the week are sponsored by the Division of Student Affairs' Sexual Assault Response Team and various university organizations.
In addition to the evening appearance, Koestner will deliver her message earlier the same day when she speaks at 3 p.m. in the Colvard Union small auditorium and at 5 p.m. at Herbert Hall. And, following her Lee Hall address, she will meet with all interested students for a 10 p.m. informal gathering at the Alpha Gamma Delta House on Sorority Row.
Koestner's life was portrayed in a 1993 HBO docudrama, "No Visible Bruises." She has appeared on the cover of Time magazine (June 3, 1991) and in national television interviews, including "Larry King Live," "Oprah" and "NBC Nightly News."
In addition to Koestner's programs, the week's schedule of events include a "Take Back the Night Rally" at 6 p.m. on the 18th. Beginning at the Zeta Tau Alpha House on Sorority Row and proceeding to the University Amphitheater, the rally will feature skits dealing with sexual assault and a candle lighting to commemorate rape victims.
Other Sexual Assault Awareness activities include Colvard Union lobby displays throughout the week and daily programs dealing with topics ranging from sexual harassment to the so-called "date rape drugs."
For more information or a complete schedule of events, contact team coordinator Leigh Jensen or Christie Bevis at (601) 325-2218.