Parents whose son died during hazing to give campus presentation

A powerful message that underscores the dangers caused by student hazing rituals will be presented by Kim and TJ Burch, whose only son died tragically in a hazing incident at West Virginia University in 2014. The talk is slated for the Williams Center Multipurpose Room on Wednesday, Sept. 13, at 7 p.m.

The anti-hazing message struck a powerful chord among students at SUNY Fredonia when it was presented in two different years by another parent, Kathleen Wiant, who lost a son in a hazing ritual at Ohio University in 2018. Ms. Wiant’s presentations, which Campus Life Director Mark Suida described as “very powerful,” was most recently given in 2022.

The students indicated that lecturing about the dangers of hazing related to policies/procedures is very different from hearing a deeply personal story from a mother who lost her son due to a senseless act.” - Mark Suida

“It takes a special person to talk about a painful and life changing topic, however both Kim and Kathleen know their story truly changes the hearts and minds of students. As some of our students said, ‘it's something that you don't forget,’” Mr. Suida said.

“I am so appreciative of Kim and TJ's commitment in empowering students,” Suida added. “Oftentimes, hearing deeply personal stories are the most impactful ways to change hearts and minds when faced with a difficult decision. Fredonia is thrilled to be welcoming TJ and Kim to campus for the first time.”

Since the loss of their son, Kim and TJ Burch created the NMB Foundation to educate young adults on the dangers associated with hazing and binge drinking. They joined Daniel E. Catullo III, an immensely successful multimedia director and producer, as co-producers of “Breathe, Nolan, Breathe,” a documentary about the hazing death of their son.

The Burches have given presentations at universities that include West Virginia, Penn State, Iowa State and Texas Tech as well as numerous high schools in Western New York and elsewhere.

Their Fredonia presentation, sponsored by the Office of Campus Life, is free and open to students, faculty and staff.