Alongside many in higher education, Sigma Phi Epsilon celebrates the announcement of the Timothy J. Piazza Center for Fraternity and Sorority Research and Reform at Pennsylvania State University. The center will sponsor original research around best practices in fraternity and sorority life, according to Penn State’s Jan. 22 statement.

“We are confident the research conducted by the Piazza Center will produce critical insights that will help universities and fraternities and sororities make informed decisions to advance the development and safety of young men and women,” said SigEp CEO Brian Warren.

The center is named for Tim Piazza, a Penn State sophomore who passed away in 2017 after being hazed in a fraternity. In 2018, SigEp invited Tim’s mother Evelyn to share his story with more than 150 undergraduates at our Ruck Leadership Institute, where she challenged SigEp members to prevent hazing on their campuses. As a result, numerous SigEp chapters across the country have invited Evelyn and other parents who have lost their sons to hazing to their campuses, empowering their fraternity and sorority communities to address this critical issue.

“Tim’s story had a profound impact on our undergraduates. Now, thousands more around the country feel the same urgency and commitment to rid these senseless practices from our communities,” said Warren. “It’s only right that a center bearing his name continue to help us drive positive change within the fraternity and sorority experience.”

In the last three years, SigEp undergraduates have adopted legislation that removed pledging from its member experience and established substance-free houses for its chapters. SigEp looks forward to utilizing the Piazza Center’s work to further its mission of Building Balanced Men through fostering a safe fraternal experience and environment.

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If you would like more information about this topic, contact Senior Chapter Services Director Paul Andersen.

Sigma Phi Epsilon is an American college fraternity with more than 14,000 undergraduates on 215 campuses across the United States. Established in 1901, its mission is “Building Balanced Men,” which is achieved through a continuous member development program focused on academic achievement, healthy lifestyle choices and leadership development. The Fraternity currently maintains a 3.20 national GPA.