BEMIDJI, Minn. – Bemidji State University and the NCAA CHAMPS/Life Skills Program present “Remember Suz,” a personal account of the realities of sexual violence, by Jayne Hanson. The presentation, which is free and open to the public, will be held Tuesday, Feb. 12, at 7:00 p.m. in room 100 of Hagg-Sauer Hall on the BSU campus.

Hanson’s 2l-year -old daughter, Susie, took her own life in August 2000, just days after revealing to her parents she had been raped at age 15. Since then, Hanson has made it her mission to speak out about the damage sexual violence causes to the lives of its victims and those who love them

In her journey since her daughter’s death, Hanson has devoted herself to learning about sexual violence and helping its survivors. She has volunteered for her local sexual assault program, spent countless hours comforting victims and developed programs encouraging community awareness. She has testified before the Minnesota state legislature, rallied on behalf of the Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault and been honored as a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota “Champion of Health” for her efforts to improve community health.

Hanson regularly shares her personal story and what she has learned. She has appeared on Oprah and has taken her presentations to law enforcement, schools, communities, non-profit organizations, professionals and imprisoned sex offenders.

She has begun work to form the Susie Hanson Foundation for Survivors of Sexual Violence, a non-profit organization designed to make victims aware of the resources, aid and help out there to assist them.

“Remember Suz” is sponsored by Bemidji State University athletics, CHOICES, residential life, the Hobson Memorial Union, the Student Center for Health and Counseling and the Women’s Center.

For more information, contact Jay Passa, health education coordinator at Bemidji State Student Health Services, at (218) 755-2080.

FOR YOUR CALENDAR
Feb. 12 – 7:00 p.m. – Bemidji State University and the NCAA CHAMPS/Life Skills Program present “Remember Suz,” a personal account of the realities of sexual violence, by Jayne Hanson. Location: Hagg-Sauer 100, BSU campus. Information: (218) 755-2080.