The parents of four fraternity members who lost their lives in hazing-related incidents will share their stories with the Texas A&M University community during two presentations of “Love, Mom & Dad: A Discussion About Hazing,” on Nov. 13 at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. in Rudder Auditorium.
“The Division of Student Affairs is profoundly grateful to these parents for their willingness to share stories of their sons with Texas A&M and campuses across the nation,” said Dr. Daniel J. Pugh Sr., Texas A&M Vice President for Student Affairs. “Every institution of higher education should be thankful for their commitment to making a meaningful impact and working toward systemic change to end hazing on college campuses.
“We, too, are dedicated to the health and safety of our campus. This program is one of many initiatives proposed to educate and heighten awareness and to eliminate hazing and power-based offenses on the Texas A&M campus. It is our hope that the voices of parents will convey the impact and consequences of actions by individuals and organizations that harm or threaten to harm others.”
Parents speaking at Texas A&M’s event include:
- Evelyn and Jim Piazza, parents of Tim Piazza from Penn State University
- Rich Braham, father of Marquise Braham from Penn State University
- Steve Gruver, father of Max Gruver from Louisiana State University
- Debbie Debrick, mother of Dalton Debrick from Texas Tech University
While on campus, these parents will meet with Texas A&M administrators and Aggie student leaders, participate in a campus tour, and interact with local media.
The program is sponsored by the Anti-Hazing Coalition, a collaboration among families who have lost children due to hazing, the North American Interfraternity Conference, the National Panhellenic Conference, and a number of other organizations within the fraternal community. To date, these families have spoken to thousands of college students about their experience of losing a child to hazing.
“We are blessed to have the chance to hear the message from these incredible people,” said Mikey Jaillet, president of Texas A&M’s Interfraternity Council and a member of Sigma Chi. “This is a serious issue facing Greek life around the country that we are addressing here on campus through new policies and continual education. Hazing goes against the uplifting and respectful culture at Texas A&M, and we are working to eliminate it here.”
This program is free to attend, but tickets are required for admission. Seats for both presentations are general admission. Early arrival is encouraged. Reserve your tickets from the MSC Box Office at tx.ag/LoveMomAndDad.
Media Contact: Kelly Brown, Associate Vice President for Marketing and Communications, Texas A&M University, 979-845-1264, or kelly.brown@tamu.edu.
