Although MIT officials are careful to point out that the fraternity is neither owned by the school nor under the jurisdiction of MIT police, the incident has turned their focus inward.

"We are [now] undergoing a major program of throwing open the whole question of our policies, procedures and culture with alcohol," said Kenneth D. Campbell, the university's spokesperson.

"Over the next several weeks there will probably be a great deal of discussion, and from that discussion will come some decisions," he continued.

While students say that MIT has not dealt with such a tragedy in over 40 years, alcohol-related accidents have plagued the nation's college campuses recently.

The MIT death comes only a month after a student at Louisiana State University died of alcohol poisoning. (Please see related story, this page.)

Boy With A Future

Krueger leaves behind a large family and many friends in his hometown of Orchard Park, N.Y., a Buffalo suburb.

Last night, the young student's parents, two sisters and younger brother coped with the tragedy in a small anteroom off of the hospital's intensive-care unit.

Although none of the immediate family would comment on their loss, Burke-White explained the gravity of the situation.

"He was a very good human being, very religious, very close to his family and brilliant," he said.

A promising scientist and talented athlete, Krueger rowed the first-year heavyweight crew team and aspired to be an aerospace engineer.

According to Burke-White, Krueger was never known to drink and told his sister he was "nervous" about Greek pledging events.

Saturday evening's party, however, came after the pledge season's conclusion, and Krueger had already been welcomed as a member of the society. The event was designed for "big brothers [to] link up with their little brothers," Campbell said.

Burke-White said that today, the family will be returning to Buffalo, where they plan to bury Krueger later in the week.

He added that a scholarship fund will be esblished in the name of the young MIT student.