National anti-hazing speaker to give campus presentation

Kathleen Wiant, whose world was changed forever upon the death of her son in a fraternity hazing incident at Ohio University in 2018, will give a presentation on hazing that’s designed for club leaders, Greek Life representatives, groups, teams and faculty and staff who advise or coach students.

The event is slated for the Williams Center Multipurpose Room on Tuesday, Nov. 15, at 7 p.m.

“Mrs. Wiant has a powerful personal story to share with you related to the dangers of hazing, as she lost her son, Collin, due to hazing,” said Director of Campus Life Mark Suida.

Since her son’s death, Wiant has become a fierce anti-hazing advocate, and dedicates herself to providing education on hazing and courage at universities across the country. Wiant also worked closely with legislators to create Collin’s Law – Ohio’s anti-hazing law – and lobbies on Capitol Hill for federal anti-hazing legislation.

Wiant, a mother of five children, is on a mission to “bring kindness and courage into the world” by educating others about the dangers of hazing and bullying. Losing a son motivated Wiant to learn about hazing which led to speaking and teaching others about hazing. Today, she speaks at universities across the country and lobbies for anti-hazing legislation on a national level.

Wiant, who first spoke at SUNY Fredonia in February 2020, was nominated by Kyle Licht, then a senior, to speak on TED Talks. “She’s now a TED Talk star,” Suida remarked. She is a powerful speaker and leadership coach for the Franklin Covey Training program, he added.

Kim Burch, a mother who lost her son, Nolan, a graduate of Canisius High School in Buffalo, to a hazing incident at West Virginia University, is expected to speak alongside Wiant at the Williams Center. She and her husband launched a foundation in their son’s memory and sued the university and fraternity involved in the hazing incident.

Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP online by Friday, Nov. 11. It is a free event and tickets are not required.