Activist, speaker Katie Koestner headlines ‘10 Points of Light’ events at Alfred State

Teaming up with the Take Back the Night Foundation, Alfred State’s Office of Equity, Inclusion, and Title IX is looking to help spread awareness on the issue of sexual assault and violence by hosting “10 Points of Light” from Oct. 24-28.

Throughout the week, the college will present a number of events intended to spread awareness, open eyes, and celebrate those who have survived and thrived after violence has touched their lives.

Headlining the events will be activist and speaker Katie Koestner, who has been internationally recognized as a strong advocate against sexual assault since she herself became a victim while in college. Koestner was featured on the cover of TIME Magazine in June 1991, and HBO made a movie about her story in 1993. She has appeared on numerous shows, including The Oprah Winfrey Show, Larry King Live, and Good Morning America, and has given interviews for the Washington Post, the New York Times, and The Journal of Higher Education, among others.

Koestner’s appearance and press conference on Capitol Hill with Congressman Jim Ramstad helped to encourage Congress, and later President George H.W. Bush, to pass the Federal Campus Sexual Assault Victims’ Bill of Rights into law in 1992. In addition to presenting at national conferences, she has also served as a consultant to schools on the revision and development of their sexual misconduct policies and response protocols.

Koestner will be speaking at 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27 in the Orvis Activities Center Auditorium. Her speech is free and open to the public.

Alfred State was chosen to be one of the “10 International Points of Light” by the Take Back the Night Foundation, which seeks to end sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual abuse, and all other forms of sexual violence. The Points of Light serve as beacons of support for survivors and healing during the months of April and October.

Nikkie Hockenberry, Alfred State chief diversity officer and Title IX coordinator, said the college is incredibly proud to have been chosen by the Foundation to be one of the Points of Light and that Koestner is coming to speak to the campus community.

“We are trying in multiple ways to address the epidemic of sexual assault on college campuses, and work tirelessly to assist those who reach out to us for help,” Hockenberry said. “The fact that such a prestigious organization has chosen to highlight us is really rewarding to all of us who collaborate in doing this work.” 

Hockenberry added, “One of the best parts about working at Alfred State is that the college has a dedicated team that works together, whether it’s Health and Wellness Services, Residential Services, University Police, Judicial Affairs, or the Title IX Office. The recognition we are getting as a Point of Light is a testament to how hard all of these individuals work to keep our community safe and supported.”

The rest of the schedule of events for the week is as follows:

Monday, Oct. 24

11 a.m. – “The Clothesline” in the Student Leadership Center (SLC) Park Space. This event is a vehicle for women affected by violence to express their emotions by decorating a shirt that is hung on a clothesline to be viewed by others as a testimony to the problem of violence against women.

8 p.m. – “The Hunting Ground,” a powerful film about sexual assaults on college campuses in America, will be shown in the Orvis Activities Center Auditorium.

Tuesday, Oct. 25

Noon – Hockenberry will present a free yoga session focused on healing and inner peace in the SLC Green Space.

Wednesday, Oct. 26

11 a.m. - Green Dot Bystander Intervention Program training in the SLC Small Event Space.

9 p.m. – Coffeehouse poetry slam in the SLC Small Event Space.

Thursday, Oct. 27

5 p.m. – Katie Koestner will speak in the Orvis Activities Center Auditorium. This event is free and open to the public.

6 p.m. – Take Back the Night March against violence in the SLC Park Space.

6:30 p.m. – Take Back the Night reception in the SLC Park Space. Light refreshments will be served, and participants will have a chance to meet and greet Koestner.

7 p.m. – 10 Points of Light candlelight vigil ceremony in the SLC Green Space.

Friday, Oct. 28

9 p.m. – “Make Some Noise,” a celebration of survivors, will take place in the Pioneer Lounge at the Pioneer Center. A small entrance fee will go straight to charity to support victims of sexual assault and violence.