The Wellness Education Department held its third “Wellness for Dipsticks” on Saturday in front of the University Commons apartment complex.
One of the event’s sponsors, Winners Circle Car Care, gave students a free car tune-up to get ready for spring break, and free food, prizes and raffles were also given away.
Kathy Saichuk, wellness education coordinator, planned the event and said about 300 to 400 students attended last year’s event, and this year was equally successful.
“It seems to get a little bigger and better every year,” Saichuk said.
Saichuk said employees from Winners Circle Car Care gave students’ cars check-ups to prevent accidents and promote safety among students.
“You can drive your car in there and they check the basic things you need before you get on the road,” Saichuk said.
Some students were glad to get a free tune-up for their car before spring break.
“I was excited because it saves me a bunch of time, and anything for free is good,” said Broque Thomas, kinesiology junior.
“I don’t have spring break plans yet, but it’ll be good just in case,” Thomas said.
Employees with Winners Circle Car Care, located on Staring Lane, said 80 percent of their customers are students, and last year they serviced 240 cars.
“We check all the lights, oil, fluids, tires and air filters,” said Beau Reed, construction senior who worked the event.
Along with getting their car checked, many students took advantage of the free food and giveaways from the sponsors.
Students enjoyed free food from Raising Cane’s, Mellow Mushroom and Chili’s.
Along with the free food, students received blank CDs, DVDs and coupons given away Best Buy and the Geek Squad.
The Wellness Department also set up a booth where members of the student organization Student Health Advocates gave out “safer spring break packs.”
The packs included information about alcohol poisoning, sexually transmitted diseases and illegal drugs.
Members of Student Health Advocates are peer-educating volunteers who teach students about drug and alcohol abuse, nutrition, stress and more.
“We cover anything dealing with wellness,” said Chela White, psychology junior. “It’s really fun.”
The group also gives presentations in the dorms and at local middle schools.
Along with giving away packets, the group had a pair of “drunk goggles” for students to try on.
The goggles give students impaired vision, similar to what they might see if they were intoxicated.
“When I walked, it looked as if he [a student advocate member] was leaning, but it wasn’t as bad as I expected,” said Edmond Lorts, visual communications freshman.
Beau Brown, manager of University Commons, said he was glad so many students came out and was happy to host the event.
“It’s a great little niche to help the students,” Brown said.
 
Contact Elizabeth Miller at [email protected]