CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2019 AWARD WINNERS
RAE ANN AND STEPHEN GRUVER
Rae Ann and Stephen Gruver are committed activists focused on highlighting the dangers of hazing, and creating stronger legal and academic accountability to prevent the dangerous behavior. Following the tragic hazing death of their son Max in 2017, the Gruvers have dedicated their lives to raising awareness and accountability to fraternities, sororities, and other campus organizations. Founding the Max Gruver Foundation in honor of their son, the Gruvers have shared their story with numerous universities and organizations, and have handed out more than 100,000 wristbands to raise awareness of the dangers of hazing. The Gruvers are focused on making an impact on campuses and in the legal system, and were instrumental in supporting the Max Gruver Act. The new law in Louisiana would allow for harsher punishment in hazing cases, particularly when hazing leads to bodily harm or death. They have also partnered with the Anti-Hazing Coalition to sponsor the federal END ALL Hazing Act. #FlyHighMax
DAVID WESTOL
David Westol is an alumnus of Michigan State University and The Detroit College of Law. He served as an assistant prosecuting attorney in Kalamazoo County, Michigan for nine years; as CEO of Theta Chi Fraternity for 18 years and recently completed his 12th year as a consultant with over thirty national men’s and women’s fraternities and sororities as clients. Dave has presented, “Hazing on Trial”—a graphic and dramatic presentation that blends hazing practices, actual court cases and courtroom practices—over 2,200 times on over 400 campuses and at over 60 national fraternity and sorority events since 1980. He has authored over 40 articles for fraternal journals and other publications regarding hazing and makes presentations focused upon the investigation of hazing cases to a variety of audiences. Dave is proud to note that he was among the original members of the board of directors of HazingPrevention.Org.
