Wetzel encourages MVNU students to be part of drug crisis cure

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio — Knox County Common Pleas Court Judge Richard Wetzel implored students and faculty of Mount Vernon Nazarene University to become part of the solution to the drug epidemic, during Thursday evening’s Lecture Artist Series keynote address.

“We are embroiled in a massive ground war,” Wetzel said. “It’s a fight for the physical safety and mental health of our own community, and the communities where you come from and where your families live.”

Wetzel explored the breakdown of families and societal expectations as a leading cause to the rise in drug abuse and addiction. By creating stronger families and serving the organizations that work with at-risk, and those suffering from addiction, everyone can play a part in creating a stronger community, he said.

MVNU students can perform a critical role in the changing of the drug culture, Wetzel said, citing programs on campus that will prepare students for careers in fields tasked by the crisis. Among those are, communication sciences disorders, criminal justice, education and nursing.

 “As you future leaders begin to seek out your true calling, you will find opportunities to serve. You have great opportunities right here in our community for education and professional training in careers that will be very important for solving these problems,” he said.

Visit mvnu.edu/news for information on future events at MVNU.

Mount Vernon Nazarene University is a private, four-year, intentionally Christian teaching university for traditional age students, graduate students, and working adults. With a 327-acre main campus in Mount Vernon, Ohio, and several convenient Graduate and Professional Studies locations throughout the state, MVNU emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual growth, and service to community and church. MVNU offers an affordable education to more than 2,200 students from 31 states and 22 countries/U.S. territories.

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