On Feb. 4, 2017, 19-year old Timothy Piazza a member of Beta Theta Pi at Penn State died from injuries he sustained two days earlier from a 15-floor head first fall down stairs after consuming 18 acholic drinks in 82 minutes. It took a fraternity brother nearly 12 hours to call 911 after the fall.
In the two years since, Piazza’s death ignited a national conversation about hazing on college campuses. His parents, Jim and Evelyn Piazza joined with Stephen and Rae Ann Gruver who lost their son Max as well as Richard and Maille Braham who lost their son Marquise in hazing accidents together and formed Parents United to Stop Hazing (PUSH).
“Through their efforts they call on students to finally put an end to this behavior that has shattered lives for far too long,” the group said in a news release promoting their visit to campus.
Evelyn, Rae Ann and Richard will present a keynote panel 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12 in the Pitman Center International Ballroom.
The group will share their stories and discuss how students and the university community can help facilitate changes to help end hazing. There will be additional time at the end for questions.
“The University of Idaho Interfraternity Council is committed to working with students, staff, faculty, administrators and student organizations to combat hazing within our community,” said James Trayford, IFC President. “The PUSH event will be an engaging and thought-provoking experience for our member organizations and will shed light on the devastating impacts of hazing.”
The IFC Senate unanimously voted Jan. 23 to mandate the attendance of all IFC chapter executive board members at the panel. All are welcome to attend.
Delta Gamma, a sponsor of the event, has a zero-tolerance policy in regard to hazing. Chapter President Audrey Lodge said that the Delta Gamma is committed to treating others with respect and dignity, and always upholding the highest standards of character.
“We are proud to be a co-sponsor of this special event and we ask that you please join us in order to learn more about the seriousness of hazing,” Lodge said.
Ellamae Burnell can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @EllamaeBurnell
Editor’s note: A previous version of this article contained a misquotation. It also misstated the name of ParentsUnited2StopHazing.