For the first time tonight, two mothers who experienced similar tragedies will come together to educate students and community members - hoping they won’t ever have to experience tragedies like their own.

Cindy McCue’s son, parks and recreation junior Bradley McCue, died of alcohol poisoning after downing 24 shots on his 21st birthday in 1998.

Shawn Newstead’s son, 24-year-old Brandon D’Annunzio, died Oct. 11, 2000 after being beaten outside an East Lansing bar Oct. 1.

The presentation will focus on responsible drinking and specific information about how to know when someone needs medical attention.

“I’m not doing this because I want people to come tell me ‘Oh, I’m so sorry,’” Cindy McCue said. “I’m doing this because I think I have information that would be beneficial to them. If it takes my experience to make them listen, then I’m willing to put myself in that position.”

Cindy McCue and her husband, John McCue, have been making public appearances about alcohol since forming BRAD - Be Responsible About Drinking. This will be Newstead’s first public appearance.

The program, which is sponsored by MSU’s American Campus and Alcohol Team and the MSU police, will focus on drinking violence, prevention and health education.

A question and answer session will be held at the end of the event.

“We want to give them tangible things to look for when medical attention is needed,” MSU police Officer Anne Stahl said. “It’s a different approach for the students to have the opportunity to see real people who have experienced alcohol’s effects.”

The women will also speak to area high school students in the morning and bar and restaurant owners in the afternoon to discuss safer regulations.

“We’re just trying to frame the choices that are related to the use and misuse of alcohol,” said Jasmine Greenamyer, alcohol and other drug educator at MSU’s Olin Health Center. “It’s human nature to capitalize on whatever the tragedy of the moment is. We feel that education is the best way to overcome that.”