A self defense class run by the University Police Department was deemed Program of the Year at the second annual women’s graduation and awards ceremony hosted by the Women’s Resources Center on Thursday night.

The classes, which use a program called the Rape Aggression Defense, or RAD, systems as its curriculum, was recognized for this honor. The ceremony was held on the fourth floor of the Illini Media Center, and about 50 students, faculty and staff members attended.

The RAD program, which is offered at many colleges across the nation, has been in existence since 1989 and first came to the University in 1996. For the past 16 years, RAD has offered female students a comprehensive course of self-defense techniques, which begins with awareness and prevention tactics and then progress to teaching hands-on defense.

Sgt. Joan Fiesta of the University Police Department said teaching the course has been one of the more rewarding experiences she has had on campus. She said the course looks to teach women how to strategize and utilize their strengths should they encounter some type of attack.

“As police officers responding to crimes, we usually show up at least three minutes late. Very rarely are we there when the crime is occurring,” Fiesta said. “This (course) provides a potential victim with skills to escape before they find themselves victims of crime. It empowers people.”

Esther Bier, sophomore in LAS, said that the RAD class has been very informational because there is an extensive lecture aspect to the course. She said she believes that this program is very important and should become more known on campus.

“It’s not just about physical defense,” Bier said. “It’s also about how to protect your home, things to watch out for or good tactics to keep in mind if there is suspicious activity. I think it’s really important that people are aware of how to protect themselves and not have to rely on anybody else for protection.”

Becky Lauher, a patrol officer for University police, taught the class when it first started here in 1996. She said the program has grown tremendously since then because they now offer classes for children as well as a program for men that began this year.

“We give (the students) choices of what to do if they are in a situation where they’re attacked, so it’s very rewarding,” Lauher said. “The confidence that our students have when they graduate from the program leaves us instructors with a great feeling.”

The RAD course is offered every semester on campus. Students who are interested can find information on the “Public Safety website”:http://dps.illinois.edu/universitypolice/programs.html#Rape.