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 Mothers Day. For that,
our Fraternity can only extend again its most deeply held condolences that young men who purported to
represent our Fraternitys values did anything but. The depth of the Piazza familys 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, couldnt 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 Fraternitys 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