Overview of the Piazza Center's History
Established in January 2019 at Penn State, the Piazza Center is a multidisciplinary research facility dedicated to addressing issues within the Greek-letter community. It honors Timothy Piazza, a sophomore who tragically lost his life due to hazing in February 2017 during fraternity pledging activities at Beta Theta Pi.
The Piazza Center research endowment provides necessary funding for applied research to implement best practices for safer chapters and campus communities. We build on the work of the Center for Fraternity and Sorority Research, originally established at Indiana University Bloomington in 1979 and transferred to Penn State in 2019.
Historical Background (1976-2019)
The concept of a dedicated research center for fraternities and sororities dates back to 1976, when a gathering of higher education and fraternity leaders aimed to create a national agenda for these organizations. Spearheaded by Indiana University Chancellor Herman Wells and Dean of Students Robert Shaffer, the initiative sought to develop a strategic plan for the 200th anniversary of the college fraternity. This endeavor resulted in the publication "Fraternity for the Year 2000," which outlined a vision for the future of fraternities and sororities, along with a proposal for establishing a research center.
The center was developed with input from leaders of the Fraternity Executive Association (FEA) and the North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC). The original Center for the Study of the College Fraternity received support from select fraternity headquarters and was incorporated as a 501C3 non-profit in 1979.
Key Contributors to the Center's Formation
Fraternity Executive Association
- T.J. Schmitz, Tau Kappa Epsilon, FEA Chairman
- Alfred Sheriff, Delta Tau Delta
- Ken Tracy, Sigma Alpha Epsilon
- William Schwartz, Sigma Alpha Mu
North-American Interfraternity Conference
- Jack Anson, NIC Executive Director
- James McLaughlin, Zeta Psi
- Sidney Guller, Sigma Alpha Mu
- Bates Block, Chi Phi
Initial Donors
- Alpha Chi Rho, Alpha Epsilon Pi, Alpha Sigma Phi, Alpha Tau Omega, Beta Theta Pi, Chi Phi, Chi Psi, Delta Kappa Epsilon, Delta Sigma Phi, Delta Tau Delta, Delta Upsilon, Lambda Chi Alpha, Phi Gamma Delta, Phi Kappa Psi, Phi Kappa Theta, Phi Sigma Kappa, Pi Kappa Alpha, Pi Kappa Phi, Psi Upsilon, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sigma Alpha Mu, Sigma Chi, Sigma Nu, Sigma Phi Epsilon, Sigma Tau Gama, Tau Epsilon Phi, Tau Kappa Epsilon, Theta Chi, and Triangle Fraternities
The Distinctiveness of the Piazza Center
While numerous studies have examined the challenges faced by fraternities and sororities, there is a significant gap in research concerning effective professional practices. Understanding how institutions transition from recognizing problems to fostering chapter, community, and cultural change is essential for the future of fraternity and sorority life.
The Piazza Center aims to enhance and promote professional practices that positively influence students, alumni, headquarters, and campuses. By researching the effectiveness of various strategies employed by practitioners—such as advising chapters, altering campus policies, and implementing educational programs—the center seeks to identify successful methods that can be replicated to improve student behavior and create safer and stronger chapter and campuses.
