Each September, Alpha Delta Pi sisters prepare to educate their chapter members and campus communities during National Hazing Prevention Week. Last week, Alpha Delta Pi chapters everywhere hosted events from educational workshops to donut fundraisers in support of the Max Gruver Foundation to shine a light on the dangers of hazing.
Zeta Nu Chapter at Clemson University kicked off National Hazing Prevention Week by inviting Rae Ann Feldner Gruver (Zeta Nu, 1989) and her husband, Stephen, to share their son Max’s tragic story and the mission of the Max Gruver Foundation. Zeta Nu’s Chapter President, Anna Rhett Allen, expressed that it is important for the Gruver’s to share their message to remind their chapter that hazing can happen anywhere and anytime. Anna Rhett hopes that after hearing the Gruver’s story her chapter sisters understand the importance of speaking up and not being a bystander to hazing.
Zeta Nu Chapter’s National Hazing Prevention Week activities did not stop on Monday night though. Throughout the week, the chapter members tabled on their campus, sharing Max’s story and giving out #FlyHighMax bracelets to remind every student the importance of saying something if they witness acts of hazing on their campus.
Anna Rhett and her chapter sisters know it is easy to turn a blind eye to hazing, so they continue their hazing education and prevention activities throughout the entire year. They often host speakers like Rae Ann and Steve to address the chapter about the ongoing problem of hazing across the country, ways to prevent hazing activities, and how to bring awareness to others. Anna Rhett also shared the ways their chapter establishes an environment free of hazing activities: “We create healthy bonding experiences for our sisters through our sisterhood events, academic events, and philanthropy events by making our members feel loved and cared for.”
Hazing prevention and education does not conclude during the month of September, which is why the Alpha Delta Pi Foundation remains committed to partnering with the Max Gruver Foundation. Gifts to the Alpha Delta Pi Foundation’s Annual Fund in support of our Areas of Greatest Need ensure that we can continue to provide educational materials for Alpha Delta Pi Chapters in support of their hazing prevention initiatives all year. Together, we can #StopTheHazing.