University House Offers Sober Alternative
WCCO ~ May 17, 2005
A new residence near the University of Minnesota is designed to help students stay sober.
University House is a first of its kind residence for college students near the U of M campus.
“It's important that kids have a safe place where they can go to school and stay sober,” said Richard Mark, co-owner of University House.
The house is drug and alcohol free, a rarity on a college campus. Mark is an active member of Alcoholics Anonymous who knows the temptations of college life.
“I know the perils of being a college student trying to do college work and stay sober,” he said.
So Mark and his AA partners opened the house for college men. Colin Gasko is one of the residents.
“I was into alcohol and drugs for many years,” Gasko said. He has now been sober for two years and wanted to live in a place with others who will help him stay that way.
“I hope we'll create an environment where we can strive to be more responsible and learn and change,” Gasko said.
Those living near the house are trying to adjust.
“They're responsible neighbors and the owners are very involved,” said neighbor Jill Griffiths. “I guess I would welcome them.”
Some residents worry what a house full of young men will do to a family-orientated neighborhood.
Residents of University House hope to win over their neighbors by staying sober.
A new residence near the University of Minnesota is designed to help students stay sober.
University House is a first of its kind residence for college students near the U of M campus.
“It's important that kids have a safe place where they can go to school and stay sober,” said Richard Mark, co-owner of University House.
The house is drug and alcohol free, a rarity on a college campus. Mark is an active member of Alcoholics Anonymous who knows the temptations of college life.
“I know the perils of being a college student trying to do college work and stay sober,” he said.
So Mark and his AA partners opened the house for college men. Colin Gasko is one of the residents.
“I was into alcohol and drugs for many years,” Gasko said. He has now been sober for two years and wanted to live in a place with others who will help him stay that way.
“I hope we'll create an environment where we can strive to be more responsible and learn and change,” Gasko said.
Those living near the house are trying to adjust.
“They're responsible neighbors and the owners are very involved,” said neighbor Jill Griffiths. “I guess I would welcome them.”
Some residents worry what a house full of young men will do to a family-orientated neighborhood.
Residents of University House hope to win over their neighbors by staying sober.
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