Anti-Hazing Efforts Recognition at Atlanta Event

Plus the Max Gruver Foundation and Hazing Prevention Network honor EVP and CEO Sean Wagner

Phis and prominent Greek leaders gathered on September 9 in Atlanta, Georgia, to honor Phi Delta Theta’s anti-hazing efforts. The event highlighted the substantial progress made by the Fraternity.

The tragic death of Max Gruver in September 2017 highlighted the urgent need for a stronger, more focused approach to combat hazing. In response, the Fraternity restructured its practices, partnering with Steve and Rae Ann Gruver of the Max Gruver Foundation and the Anti-Hazing Coalition to increase education and awareness about the dangers of hazing and work toward eradicating it entirely.

Georgia Delta Chapter President Sam Wells and Phi Delta Theta Fraternity Executive Vice President and CEO Sean Wagner.

Georgia Delta Wins Inaugural Fly High Max Award

Phi Delta Theta has encouraged these efforts throughout its membership, which is why it created the Fly High Max Award. The award annually honors a chapter that actively contributes to anti-hazing education and advocacy, engages in anti-hazing legislation efforts, and raises awareness about hazing prevention.

Steve and Rae Ann Gruver attended to present the inaugural Fly High Max Award to Phi Delta Theta’s Georgia Delta Chapter at Georgia Tech. The awards committee selected Georgia Delta Chapter to receive the Fly High Max Award for their outstanding efforts in raising awareness about the dangers of hazing and their strong commitment to the development and well-being of their new members.

Through a variety of educational programs and outreach activities, the chapter has demonstrated a proactive approach to hazing prevention, making their anti-hazing initiatives a cornerstone of their mission. This year, they took the initiative to deliver an impactful anti-hazing presentation at Blessed Trinity High School, which was Max Gruver’s high school. Their dedication to this cause, along with their involvement with the Max Gruver Foundation, positions them as a model chapter for others in Phi Delta Theta to emulate in the fight to end hazing.

Steve and Rae Ann Gruver presenting the Fly High Max Award to Georgia Delta.

Sean Wagner introduced the Gruver’s and extolled Georgia Delta’s anti-hazing efforts, “The Max Gruver Foundation has been a beacon of hope and change, promoting anti-hazing education and advocacy, lobbying for anti-hazing legislation, and raising awareness about the dangers of hazing. Their tireless efforts and personal sacrifices have inspired many, including those in our own Phi Delta Theta community.”

“This year, we are thrilled and immensely proud to host this event to honor the Georgia Delta chapter for being the inaugural recipient of the Fly High Max Award. With an impressive history of seventy-seven awards dating back to the 1960s, Georgia Delta has long been a shining example of excellence. However, 2024 is particularly significant as it becomes the first chapter to receive this groundbreaking and transformative award. This award recognizes chapters that have actively engaged in initiatives such as the Stop Hazing high school programming, anti-hazing education and advocacy, supporting the Max Gruver Foundation, and more. Their efforts reflect our shared values and set a standard for what it means to be a responsible and caring fraternity member, our desire to invest in our communities and peers, and the issue of hazing.”

Rae Ann complimented Georgia Delta remarking, “The chapter’s passion was evident in their presentation—It does sound like they are looking to become a model chapter that others in the Phi Delt Nation can look toward when taking the next step to ending hazing.”

“We commend and congratulate Georgia Delta! Your work not only honors Max’s legacy but inspires us all to continue striving toward a future where hazing has no place in our world.”

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Sean Wagner recieves Hank Nuwer Anti-Hazing Hero Award.

Sean Wagner Wins Prestigious Hank Nuwer Anti-Hazing Hero Award

During the event, the Hazing Prevention Network awarded Phi Delta Theta Executive Vice President and CEO Sean Wagner the prestigious Hank Nuwer Anti-Hazing Hero Award. This award recognizes Wagner’s leadership in anti-hazing initiatives within Phi Delta Theta and the Greek community. His work has raised awareness about the dangerous consequences of hazing and promoted a safer environment for Fraternity members.

Rae Ann Gruver wrote in her nomination, “Sean is a powerful leader who listens and takes action as CEO of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. He does not back down from the challenges of fighting, educating, and creating real change in the hazing culture in his and all organizations.”

From left to right, Hazing Prevention Network Executive Director Todd Shelton, Steve and Rae Ann Gruver, and Sean Wagner.

“After Max Gruver died in 2017, Phi Delta Theta and the Max Gruver Foundation arranged to work together to make changes within Phi Delta Theta relating to hazing. However, the partnership turned into an entirely different relationship. They have worked together to create more awareness, prevention, and change within Phi Delt and developed a peer-to-peer educational program for high school-level students. Sean is a huge promoter and advocate for the program and strongly encourages young men to participate. Sean actively participates in the Anti-Hazing Coalition, working on state and federal hazing prevention legislation. Sean listens and collaborates to make things happen, and he has gone above and beyond in working with the Max Gruver Foundation to make a difference while honoring Max’s legacy.”

Favor & Co. Executive Vice President and Hazing Prevention Network President Marc S. Mores, Iowa State ’95, with Sean Wagner.

Phi Delta Theta continues championing anti-hazing initiatives across its chapters, promoting education, legislation, and advocacy to create lasting change. The event was a powerful reminder of the Fraternity’s dedication to fostering a brotherhood built on respect, safety, and mutual support, reinforcing its ongoing mission to lead the way in eradicating hazing.