CLEMSON — EMpower Clemson officials say last year’s inaugural tailgating event at Littlejohn Coliseum, designed to promote alcohol safety and awareness among Clemson University students, was so successful that it will again be held this fall.

President Kathy Cauthen, appearing before Clemson City Council on Monday night, said the 2008 event would take place at the Clemson-Georgia Tech football game Oct. 18. As was the case last year, Cauthen said the organization and the city would sponsor a 1 p.m. program at City Hall the day prior to the game. Georgia Tech will have representatives in attendance to show support.

“We will welcome the Georgia Tech folks,” Cauthen said.

EMpower, an organization that involves Clemson University students and members of the Clemson Community Coalition, promotes health and safety issues affecting college students — with an emphasis on underage alcohol usage. The impetus began two years ago when Clemson University student Lindsey McKinney met with Cauthen at Redfern Health Center to discuss establishing a theme of safety and responsibility that students could embrace. Cauthen, already involved with the Clemson Community Coalition, not only was receptive to the idea but also spearheaded meetings that were soon held in the basement of Redfern.

During those meetings, students brainstormed a name for their campaign that they felt their fellow students would likely embrace. Ultimately, they chose EMpower Clemson and Cauthen agreed to become the director.

Working with a student advisory board, consisting of 20 students representing all areas of Clemson, and the Clemson Community Coalition, Cauthen said things soon began to take off. In addition to alcohol awareness, especially underage drinking, Cauthen said the group has been working on a strategic plan they hope will reduce risky behavior among students and generate student ownership.

Cauthen told council that last year was a tragic one as Clemson University experienced several alcohol-related deaths among students. Therefore, Cauthen said the organization is focusing on two areas — how to manage alcohol consumption once the choice to drink is made and establishing a curriculum on alcohol skills training.

“The goal is to reach as many students as possible,” she said.

Allison Atkins, who is working in the area of community needs assessment, said she is continuing to survey community members regarding alcohol safety.

“We want to get as many perspectives as possible for this project,” Atkins said.

Cauthen, who said this year’s tailgating event outside Littlejohn Coliseum would include food and a dunking booth, points out that the organization is also seeking to address the gap regarding students living in off-campus apartments.

“We don’t assume to know what programs these students need,” she said.

Clemson Mayor Larry Abernathy congratulated Cauthen and the progress that EMpower Clemson is making in its alcohol awareness and education efforts.

“We’re gaining momentum every day, and we’re saving lives,” Abernathy said.