CSU President: School Will Recover From Tragic Start Of Semester

FORT COLLINS, Colo. -- Though shaken by the death of a 19-year-old student and two riots, Colorado State University has the "strength of character" to rebound, CSU President Larry Penley said.

"The start of this year at Colorado State University has been an emotional one for our community," Penley told a crowd of more than 4,000 at his annual fall address Tuesday.

"Despite the emotions that we feel and that we have felt in the last few weeks, there is a strength of character at Colorado State University to address our challenges and to take realistic actions," he said.

Samantha Spady, a sophomore business major from Beatrice, Neb., was found dead in an empty lounge at a fraternity house on Sept. 5. Police suspect drinking contributed to her death, but the Larimer County coroner has not released its autopsy report.

The report is expected to be released Friday. Preliminary findings suggests Spady had a blood alcohol level of .43 percent -- nearly five times the legal limit for driving in Colorado.

Two weeks earlier, off-campus parties erupted into riots in the early hours of Aug. 21 and 22, with crowds throwing eggs, rocks and bottles. Police put the crowds at 1,500 on the first day and 600 on the second.

Six people were arrested, and CSU expelled seven students and disciplined 15 others.

Penley named Lt. Gov. Jane Norton, a CSU graduate, to lead a new university task force on substance abuse. The panel will look at binge drinking, underage drinking, fraternity and sorority life and the overall alcohol use at the school.

Also on the task force will be Linda Kuk, CSU vice president for student affairs and dean of admissions, and Cheryl Olson, a community leader with experience in substance abuse issues.

Four students, medical and police officials, community leaders and faculty and staff were expected to be added to the task force this week.

A final report to Penley is expected Feb. 1.