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Bernie McGrenahan entertains Aggies
LAWTON, Oklahoma (March 12) – Last night in Aggie Gym, nationally known comedian Bernie McGrenahan performed at center court much to the delight of the Cameron Aggie student-athletes and fans in attendance. McGrenahan, billed as a “comedian with a message”, was on hand to entertain, inspire, and educate Cameron University. His message focuses on preventing alcohol and drug abuse, while also providing many laughs.
The event was cosponsored by the Cameron Athletic Department and Cameron’s Program Activities Council. Nearly every Aggie student-athlete, coach, and administrator was at last night’s performance, as were members of the Cameron University student-body, faculty, and staff.
“I thought the show was great and entertaining. He was funny and related well not only to our Aggie student-athletes but to our staff as well,” Cameron Athletic Director Jim Jackson said. “More importantly he has a message he is sending out about alcohol and drug awareness. I think that we owe it to our students to educate them on the evils of alcohol and drugs.”
During his shows, McGrenahan provides a thirty minute comedic performance, followed by a thirty minute inspirational message. Speaking from first-hand experiences, he cautions college students nationwide on the dangers and pitfalls of alcohol and drug abuse.
“I cherish this opportunity to motivate our leaders of tomorrow,” McGrenahan said. “I just want students to understand the truth about alcohol if you party too much.”
In the comedic half of his show, McGrenahan discusses topics ranging from text messaging, to Facebook, to even Paris Hilton. When the second half of his performance rolls around, he provides an encouraging message using his personal stories and struggles with alcohol and drug abuse, to warn and educate his audience.
“I thought the performance was very good and he was very funny,” Cameron women’s basketball player Jasmine Parr said. “At the end he gave his story of alcohol abuse and how it hurt his family, and it was interesting to hear how he turned his life around and started doing comedy.”
McGrenahan’s website (happyhourcomedy.com) describes him as “A former ‘A’ student-athlete and high-risk drinker, who lost it all, beat the odds, and climbed his way back to the top”. He has been without a drink for more than nineteen years and told last night’s audience of his family’s history with alcohol abuse. McGrenahan also provided inspiration on how to achieve all of your goals as a student.
As mentioned previously, McGrenahan has performed at colleges and universities across the nation, including the University of Arkansas, the University of Miami-Ohio, and the University of Louisiana. He has also been covered by every major news network, ABC, NBC, FOX, and CBS.
“I think a performance like this helped the student body, especially since it was in a different format,” Parr, a junior guard, said. “It was funny and different and I definitely think it helped.”
McGrenahan has performed in Las Vegas, Nevada, as well as overseas for the men and women of the United States armed forces. He has held shows in more than twenty countries, and performs at more than one hundred schools, colleges, and universities each year. Additionally, McGrenahan has opened up for many of today’s popular musical artists.
“This is just one of many programming opportunities that we can get students exposed to,” Jackson said. “I think last night’s performance was fantastic and I think that Bernie has a great message.”
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