May 13, 2017
Martin Cobb, Director of Communication
Beta Theta Pi Fraternity
martin.cobb@beta.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THERE ARE NO WORDS

OXFORD, OHIO, May 13, 2017 – One week ago, our hearts sank as the district attorney in State College, Pennsylvania, detailed the events that lead to the death of Tim Piazza. To think that young men could possibly behave in such a manner is beyond comprehension. There are no words to describe the pain we feel for Tim and his family. We are so deeply sorry. We are heartbroken. We are outraged.

As husbands, fathers, sons, nephews and grandsons, Betas around the world have written and called in to express their anger, disappointment and sorrow. We share their feelings and are left speechless as to how something like this could happen.

It weighs heavily on the Fraternity that Evelyn and Jim Piazza will continue experiencing such unfathomable grief this weekend on what should have been a normal, joy-filled Mother’s Day. For that, our Fraternity can only extend again its most deeply held condolences that young men who purported to represent our Fraternity’s values did anything but. The depth of the Piazza family’s loss is profound, and Betas everywhere join in their anguish.

Certainly, it is hard to formulate the words on behalf of Beta Theta Pi that can even come close to addressing the spectrum of perspectives so many individuals hold toward the situation and the organization at-large. We know there are many who, at this point, couldn’t care less what the Fraternity has to say. We understand and are not defensive or hostile to them. We share many of those same sentiments. Young men in State College betrayed our Fraternity’s teachings, expectations and policies. And for that, we are equally infuriated.

Now, as the Fraternity considers how best to move forward in the coming days, we have confidence in the judicial system that due process and justice can and will be served. We will continue to cooperate with authorities in all manners to make sure of it.

Ultimately, we hope and pray that somehow peace will come to the Piazza family. They deserved so much more from the young men Tim sought to join in the name of friendship and brotherhood.

S. Wayne Kay
General Secretary and Board Chairman

Jeffrey S. Rundle
Executive Director

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Beta Theta Pi is a college fraternity committed to developing men of principle for a principled life. Founded in 1839, today Beta serves more 10,000 undergraduate members on 136 campuses across North America, 130,000 living-alumni members and 1,800 volunteers. The Fraternity’s Administrative Office is located near its founding site at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.