St. Patrick’s Day is often portrayed as a holiday centered on heavy drinking and all-night parties, especially on college campuses. However, not everyone wants to celebrate in that way, and they don’t have to. 

For students who were seeking an alternative, Oakland University offered a different kind of celebration that provided a more inclusive option.

On March 17, OU’s Students for Recovery (SFR) hosted a St. Patrick’s Day celebration for students who wanted to celebrate without the pressure of alcohol. Held from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Habitat of the Oakland Center, the free event welcomed all students and featured a variety of activities and food.

SFR is a student organization dedicated to reducing the stigma of addiction, fostering a judgment-free community and promoting healthy alternatives for students in or seeking recovery. The group also works to provide supportive events and resources that encourage connection and well-being across campus.

“It’s an organization that’s aimed at supporting people who choose how to use substances or drink for whatever reason,” Alaina Humphreys, president of Students for Recovery, said. “Recovery is one of those, but we love to bring the campus community in to support those people who might feel isolated.”

SFR works closely with Grizz Recovery, Oakland University’s Collegiate Recovery Program (CRP), but what sets them apart as a student-run organization is their focus on making recovery enjoyable, engaging and fun. By combining support with social connection and positive experiences, they create an environment where recovery isn’t just about healing but also about enjoying the journey.

“I feel like it’s common to kind of see that, like students going out to the party or to a bar,” attendee Jasmin Carmona-Almanza said. “But sometimes we can’t all do that because we have different circumstances, so just being able to have a safe space where people don’t have to worry about relapsing or things like that. I think it’s really just important to have that on camp.”

Humphreys emphasized the organization’s goal of hosting sober events, especially during holidays that are often centered around drinking, to provide students with a positive, inclusive experience where they can connect, celebrate and have fun without alcohol.

“I would encourage people to always try them out,” Humphreys said. “They’re free events. They’re always fun. You might even see your classmates here. It’s nice to, you know, spend some time with people in a safe community and not have a mentor on campus.

To support this goal, the event included a variety of engaging activities, such as a DJ playing music, festive crafts, and interactive games like ‘Find Someone Who…’ bingo, Leprechaun Pong, the Pot O’ Gold Treasure Hunt and more.

“It makes people feel included, like, regardless of what their struggles are,” OU alumnus Marisa Cohen said. “So I think it’s great that like the school brings on like events like these.”

Through its continued efforts, SFR has shaped itself into a strong and dependable community for students navigating addiction. The care and intent behind organizing engaging sober events also highlight the organization’s commitment to making recovery feel both welcoming and genuinely worthwhile.