Hank Nuwer, Author; Hazing Deaths Database

Delta Gamma Iota was founded in 1965 at Vincennes University in Vincennes, IN. Delta Gamma Iota was founded on 3 principals: Diligence, Integrity and Brotherhood. In hopes of betterment, Delta Gamma Iota went national as Sigma Phi Epsilon in 1973. In 1992, Sigma Phi Epsilon pulled out all charters at 2 year schools because of revenue. The remaining Brothers were determined to start over and continue the tradition of Brotherhood, and did by re-founding themselves as Delta Gamma Iota on December 5, 1993. Since then the Fraternity has thrived, and has out lived its fraternal expectancy of 3-5 years at a two year school.

In the Fall of 1997, two Brothers from the Alpha Chapter went on to continue their education at Ball State University. These two men wanted to bring the bond they shared among their Brothers at Vincennes to Ball State. They sat in a dorm room with an incredibly large Greek community and began to form the newest chapter of Delta Gamma Iota. A few more brothers from the Alpha Chapter enrolled at Ball State, Founding Fathers were recruited, and the Gamma Chapter of Delta Gamma Iota was founded on February 7, 1998. Ball State University officially recognized the Gamma Chapter of Delta Gamma Iota on February 17, 1999.

Since our founding, many pledge classes have passed through the halls of Delta Gamma Iota, and all these men continue to pass the bond of Brotherhood to future Brothers.

The death of William Torrance at a Vincennes fraternity has haunting echoes occurring as it does the week many antihazing activists recall the death of Chuck Stenzel at an Alfred University Tapping Night function.

KNOX CO., IN (WFIE) –

Police say they believe alcohol was a factor in the death of 19-year-old Vincennes University student William Torrance, after a bid night ceremony at a fraternity.

Some fraternity members tell 14 News, they even canceled their bid night activities Friday night after Torrance was found dead early that morning.

Those who knew the freshman say he’ll be missed.

“For those who actually knew Will, this is kind of a comforting stage,” said Torrance’s friend Jake Johnson.

Johnson says he met Torrance during freshman orientation.

“He always wanted to be outside doing something with his friends,” said Johnson. “He always wanted to be active.”

Vincennes Police say he was found dead early Friday morning at Delta Gamma Iota, where they say minors were drinking the night before.

“This is one of the times where we just have to stick through it,” said Johnson.

The university says Delta Gamma Iota hasn’t been recognized by the campus since Fall 2010, due to unmet requirements. Another fraternity tells 14 News, this event reminds them of the importance of alcohol safety.

“I’m working to stop the underage drinking because we don’t need that kind of risk with us trying to get back onto campus,” said Pi Lambda Phi member Michael Jackson.

Here is the story link

• Gina Glaros

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) – An investigation continues into the death of a Vincennes University student.

Police say, 19-year-old William Torrance was found dead Friday morning after he had participated in a fraternity party the night before.

Torrance, who was from Bargersville, Indiana, was a freshman at the university.

He was also a pledge at a fraternity not recognized by the school.

Although the cause of his death hasn’t been determined yet, the Vincennes and Indiana State Police Departments believe alcohol was a factor.

This was the article in 2002 on an appeal that reduced the original criminal punishment.

Link to the Freedom of Information request.