UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Jim and Evelyn Piazza have announced an additional $50,000 gift to support Penn State’s Timothy J. Piazza Center for Fraternity and Sorority Research. This commitment builds on their existing $50,000 pledge to advance the center’s work in hazing prevention.
The Piazza family's contribution will fund ongoing studies focused identifying and addressing hazing behaviors before they escalate, as well as developing effective strategies to prevent hazing incidents.
“No student should be subjected to hazing or any other rituals that could be harmful or damaging to their physical or emotional health,” said Jim and Evelyn Piazza in a statement. “We have seen firsthand what irresponsible hazing rituals can do to an individual and a family.”
The Timothy J. Piazza Center for Fraternity and Sorority Research was established in memory of the Piazzas’ son, Tim, who lost his life in 2017 during a fraternity hazing incident. Since that time, the family has been dedicated to advancing research, supporting legislative changes and promoting awareness to end hazing.
“The Piazzas’ commitments are enabling key research to support effective hazing prevention efforts, both at Penn State and nationwide,” said Stevan Veldkamp, executive director of the Piazza Center. “Our work is to avoid tragedies related to hazing by creating best practices and support for those working with these students closely based on research and understanding.”
The Piazza Center is a national research hub committed to preventing hazing, reducing substance misuse and enhancing student well-being in fraternity and sorority communities. Serving over 800 such communities across the country, the center equips professional staff and volunteers with research, tools and best practices to foster safer environments for students.
Penn State aims to generate an endowment of $8 million to support the center's research. The University has committed $2 million in initial funding and will match up to $3 million in additional endowment funds committed for this purpose, allowing organizations, alumni, parents and friends to secure matching funds that double the impact of their generosity. The match remains available until December 31, 2024. To learn more about supporting the center, its research and national impacts, visit the Piazza Center website.
Support for the Piazza Center advances the University’s historic land-grant mission to serve and lead. Through philanthropy, alumni and friends are helping students to join the Penn State family and prepare for lifelong success; driving research, outreach and economic development that grow our shared strength and readiness for the future; and increasing the University’s impact for families, patients and communities across the commonwealth and around the world. Learn more by visiting raise.psu.edu.