West Chester University Students Deliver An Anti-Vaping Message

WEST CHESTER, PA — West Chester University marketing students are fuming that vaping is inhaling the nation with about a third of the college students using e-cigarettes, according to a 2023 National Youth Tobacco survey.

An estimated 70 marketing students rallied at the university's Academic Quad this month during the Great American Smokeout to encourage peers to stop vaping.

“I grew up among a generation of cigarette smokers and, quite sadly, see vaping taking us straight back to those deadly days,” Tom Elmer, a marketing professor, said.

“All of us need to take a stand for the preservation of today’s youth and it starts with each one of us. It’s time to #QuitTheStick, folks.”

The students displayed a fluorescent orange stick simulated to represent the anxiety nicotine vaping is reported to induce.

“During the pandemic, more people started vaping due to loneliness and isolation,” said marketing student Kresstoph Whittick.

“How many of you think vaping is safer than smoking cigarettes?” asked Whittick.

Nearly all hands were raised in the audience.

“Guess what? Vaping has been associated with lung injuries and death,” Whittick responded.

“Most fail to realize that vaping is bad for your heart and lungs, and it is addictive because of the high levels of nicotine. Do you even know the chemicals that you are exposing yourself to? There is a better way and it starts with quitting.”

Zach Starr, a student entrepreneur in residence at the University’s Cottrell Entrepreneurship Center, reinforced the message of quitting to help future generations.

“Gen Z, we were supposed to be the generation to end cigarettes,” Starr said. “Everyone is affected by this problem. We need to band together, make a difference, and fight against tobacco."

Starr is challenging the vaping industry. His company, Quix Labs, created The Quix as the first all-in-one disposable aerosol system that delivers a nicotine-reduced experience to consumers as a viable way to empower individuals to eventually kick the habit.

Offering four nicotine-reduced strengths, the tobacco-free product enables users to experience what it is like to use lower and nicotine-free alternatives.

At the conclusion of the rally, audience members were given anti-vape t-shirts designed by WESCON Student Marketing Club members Keegan Barr, McCaffery Gray, Ky Maris, Destiny Pagan, Nikita Pisarenko, and Kresstoph Whittick.