About 15 greeks dealt with high winds, cold temperatures and rush hour Monday evening to commemorate 273 Minnesotans killed by drunken drivers in 1998.
The group, Greeks Advocating Mature Management of Alcohol, remembered these people by placing candles on the porches of all of University Avenue’s fraternities. Each candle represented two people killed last year.
“The candles speak louder than sending out a flyer,” said Adrianne Kriewall, the group’s president and Delta Delta Delta member.
Kriewall said the group held the “Candles on the Row” memorial Monday in conjunction with the fraternities’ weekly meeting, hoping to increase awareness within the greek community. The organization used the Interfraternity Council to spread the word about the vigil on campus.
Members had planned to line the roadside with bags of candles, but cars rushing by blew the candles over, lighting the bags on fire.
Kriewall said the alcohol-awareness group is still relatively new. She also said she hopes to make the event an annual activity.
The student group, formed in fall 1998, boasts 25 members. Kriewall said the greek community initially lacked initiative to form the alcohol-awareness group.
Ryan Habeger, a microbiology sophomore pledging Zeta Psi, said the group gets him involved in something other than consuming alcohol.
Group members plan to organize another awareness-raising event during spring break.

Nathan Whalen welcomes comments at [email protected]. He can also be reached at (612) 627-4070 x3232.