Greek Week Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event raises awareness about sexual violence on campus

The annual Walk a Mile in her Shoes event raised awareness about sexual violence on SEMO’s campus with a Greek Connections presentation and walk around the school’s campus. The event took place April 18 at 5:25 p.m.

Walk a Mile is part of SEMO’s annual Greek Week tradition. Throughout the week, there are many events to engage Greek Life in competition, fun and giving back to the community. T​​his year, the week takes place from April 16 to 23.

Junior corporate communications major Nolan Briegel is the vice president of education for the Interfraternity Council (IFC) and was one of the lead organizers for Walk a Mile.

Briegel said Walk a Mile is an opportunity for every participant of Greek Life to get together to discuss a difficult topic in a “brighter light.” He said he hopes the event will positively impact SEMO’s campus.

“I hope this campus realizes how prevalent this issue is,” Briegel said. “[Sexual violence] is extremely prevalent on our campus, and it is very important that [Greek Life] bring awareness to that.”

Walk a Mile in Her Shoes began with a Greek Connections presentation to discuss the effects and prevention of sexual violence on college campuses. Greek Connections is a program that aims to improve the Greek Life experience at SEMO by approving event plans, such as presentations.

Safe House director Kim Dickson was the presenter for this year’s Walk a Mile. She said she enjoys having an impact on how students perceive sexual violence.

“I love being able to talk with students and help them to understand that they can be a solution to the issue in stopping sexual assault on campus,” Dickson said. “Especially in the Greek community, it’s really prevalent, so being able to let them know they can be [a solution] will make an impact [to sexual awareness prevention].”

The walk began after the presentation. The route was the same as last year’s walk, beginning at Academic Hall, continuing down Pacific Street onto Broadway Street and then back up Henderson Avenue to end at Academic Hall.

Greek Life students held signs or banners throughout the walk and cheered for sexual violence prevention.

Senior biology major Claire Buehrle attended the Greek Connections presentation and the mile-long walk.

“I felt that I was a part of something bigger than myself,” Buehrle said. “Walking today gave me hope that SEMO’s Greek Life is trying to do something about the issue [of sexual violence] on campus.”

According to the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes official website, people from all over the world have participated in the walk to raise awareness about sexual violence in their specific communities. The award-winning walk began in 2001.

For help or resources for those who have experienced sexual assault, visit SEMO’s Campus Violence Prevention Program or call (573) 986-6899.