DARKENING
OF THE HALL
Brothers, I am writing to you as chapter leaders regarding news out of State College, Pennsylvania, and our Alpha Upsilon Chapter at Penn State University.
While investigations into the events leading up to Piazza’s death are ongoing, the General Fraternity and Penn State University leaders have learned enough from the findings to reach a decision to close the Alpha Upsilon Chapter. These findings are not in keeping with Beta Theta Pi’s longstanding values of responsible conduct, mutual assistance and integrity. Upon those founding principles, the Fraternity is unequivocal. In bringing you this news, I have two requests. First and foremost, that you keep Tim’s family in your thoughts and prayers. Their loss is unimaginable, and for that they will always have the Fraternity’s deepest condolences.
Perhaps you stepped into your position believing that an incident of such gravity could never happen in your chapter or the one you support. However, the Alpha Upsilon Chapter was consistently ranked as a Chapter of Excellence at Penn State, and won Chapter of the Year on campus twice in the last six years – as recently as 2015. All chapters, regardless of their past successes, must prioritize risk management and safety within the brotherhood. As your General Secretary, I am committed above all else to promoting your safety. You can help me do so by fostering a chapter environment that is centered on love, family and personal integrity. Tonight, there is a family missing a son and a campus missing a Beta chapter. The greatest tribute we could make in Tim Piazza’s memory is to ensure no such situation is ever experienced again in the halls of Beta Theta Pi. Yours in ___kai___, S. Wayne Kay, Virginia Tech ’73 General Secretary
On February 17, General Secretary Wayne Kay announced the closure of the Penn State chapter following the death of new member Tim Piazza. His letter to all chapter officers and volunteers is reprinted here. Alpha Upsilon Chapter State College, Pennsylvania Chapter Motto: The summit of the arch Founded: October 4, 1888 Lifetime Initiates: 1,906 For Updates: beta.org/ pennstateclosure
9 SPRING 2017 | BETA.ORG
Second, that you take time today to reflect on your own chapter’s culture. Take time to consider your new members and how you as a leader are performing to promote the well-being of all who wear the badge and bear the name of Beta Theta Pi.
PENN STATE UNIVERSITY
DARKENING OF THE HALL
As you may already know, the Fraternity recently lost a new member, Timothy Piazza, who sustained serious injuries after a tragic incident in the chapter house.