By Mathew Brodman, Stop the VOID Executive Board Member

Valentine’s Day is meant to be a time when we openly express love to those we cherish. For me, that love surrounds my wife Janet, our two children, our extended family, dear friends, and the many people who have touched my life along the way. I am deeply grateful for the joy of sharing love, laughter, and even fine chocolate(S) with those closest to me.

But I also know that for far too many, Valentine’s Day brings no celebration at all.

In my work, I have surrounded myself with parents whose hearts carry an unbearable emptiness—a hole within their heart that cannot be healed – parents who have lost a child to a FENTANYL poisoning. For them, Valentine’s Day is not about cards or roses. It is another reminder of a love that has nowhere to land, another day living with a VOID that never truly heals.

As a retired law enforcement executive, I am still in the fight. This fight is righteous! The fight is to simply save lives by educating others to protect our future! My inspiration to fight harder than ever comes from my true warrior, Daniel’s dad, Jaime Puerta. And then there is Steve, Jessica’s dad, a hard-core, old school retired homicide detective; and then Chris, Zach’s dad, a highly decorated fighter pilot, and Andrea, Ashley’s mom, and so many more. You see, Jaime, Steve, Chris, Andrea and countless others wake up every day carrying an unimaginable loss.  These parents cannot celebrate Valentine’s Day the way many of us can. Their love remains, but their child is gone. And that is why I continue this fight, and why I ask you to walk beside us. Hand in hand, we can save lives— and carry their legacy TOGETHER.

STOP THE VOID was created to shine a light on the deadly dangers of illicit fentanyl and emerging synthetic drugs through education, awareness, and legislative advocacy. We are a nonprofit organization working alongside private, state, and federal partners to provide knowledge, preventative tools, and meaningful change. VOID speaks for the sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, who no longer have a voice.

In 2026, VOID will focus significant efforts on college campuses and within Greek life communities to expand awareness and prevention. Our presentations have been redesigned to be engaging, impactful, and accessible—and they are offered completely free of charge. No cost. No misleading fine print. Our goal is simple: to reach as many students and faculty as possible and to protect as many lives as we can.

As you hold your loved ones this February 14th, I ask you to pause for just a moment. Hold them a little tighter. Hold them a little longer. And while the moment may not be right to talk about fentanyl, please take a second to think of Jaime, Steve, Chris, Andrea, and the countless parents carrying loss in silence. Say a quiet prayer. Send them strength.

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

WE MUST MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

OUR FUTURE DEPENDS ON IT.

www.stoptheVOID.org
A NON-PROFIT 501(C)(3) CORPORATION

By Dr. Lori Hart, Director of Educational Initiatives, Holmes Murphy Fraternal Practice

I’ve had the opportunity to experience sorority and fraternity life through many different lenses: as a member, undergraduate officer, alumna, Foundation donor, regional officer, international officer, campus professional, speaker, trainer, consultant, national fraternity staff member, and even as staff for an insurance broker. I liked to think I had seen it all—until my son joined a fraternity. Suddenly, I had a whole new, refreshing perspective on a world I thought I knew.

I’ll be honest, I was hesitant. Not because I don’t love fraternal organizations, but because my son was a second-semester freshman on a full Army ROTC scholarship looking to join a fraternity. I assumed the Army fellowship would be enough—but I was wrong. As a freshman in college, he was seeking a bit more fellowship, social connection, and fun—things ROTC simply doesn’t provide.

He joined his fraternity, got initiated, and one week later became Risk Manager. For someone expecting a social experience, he quickly realized he was managing the fun. He served his term, and then ran for office again, this time as Philanthropy Chairman, because he wanted the fraternity to make an even greater impact in the community. As someone who understands the “product,” I couldn’t be happier with his experience.

Last week, I hugged my son as he returned for the spring semester. A full year of fraternity life behind him. As we talked about the upcoming semester, it was clear that much of his plans and excitement centered around his fraternity: events he was looking forward to, spring break with his brothers, and a philanthropy week he was organizing. Of course, there were things he wasn’t looking forward to…like recruitment. And he got a quick pep talk on the importance of recruiting the next generation. 

I hugged him, shed a few tears, and sent him from his home where he grew up to his college  “home.” By definition, his home is now a university he loves, ROTC, and a residence with fellow cadets—but it was clear in our conversation that the “home” where he spends his volunteer time and pours his energy is his fraternity.

What a privilege it is to be in the business of building these fraternity “homes.” This is the place where parents entrust their children as they transition into adulthood. These physical and metaphorical homes provide young people a space to grow up, form lifelong friendships, network for internships and jobs, have fun, and figure out the next stage of life.

What a privilege we all share—to help build these “homes” for young people. Thank you for being a home builder.

Our team at Holmes Murphy is proud of the work we do to protect fraternal homes, literally and figuratively. If we can ever be of assistance in helping protect your home, please reach out.

The Lafayette Company has had the privilege of working closely with Greek organizations to advance their core values and missions, even in the face of challenging public narratives. 

We’ve led efforts to support countless fraternities and sororities with strategic public relations and crisis communications. Our clients have included ATO, Theta Chi, KA, and national organizations such as NIC and FSAF. Known for our personal, energetic, and agile approach, we focus on delivering real results that matter. 

In February 2024, the University of Maryland abruptly suspended all Greek Life following an anonymous report alleging hazing and alcohol abuse. Though the claims were later proven false, the damage was real. The university imposed sweeping restrictions,  including a no-contact order that even applied to siblings and roommates, and hired an outside law firm to conduct invasive investigations, denying students legal representation in the process.

The move drew national backlash. Civil liberties groups like FIRE called the actions unconstitutional, and students were left in limbo under what many saw as a prejudiced crackdown on Greek culture.

That’s when several organizations turned to us.

Working alongside legal counsel, we helped coordinate a high-stakes response, filing for a restraining order, and preparing for legal action. The university backed off within 24 hours. A year later, a judge dismissed the case after finding the school had ceased its unconstitutional practices.

We managed all media relations throughout the ordeal, placing stories in top-tier outlets and authoring op-eds, including in The Baltimore Sun. We hosted high-profile events, including a panel at the National Press Club, to shed light on the broader implications. As concerns continued to mount about the future of student civil liberties, we extolled the virtues of Greek life through op-eds, including in the Wall Street Journal. 

Most importantly, we helped elevate this issue from a campus controversy to a national conversation. Millions of Greek-affiliated students and alumni saw their experiences validated, their voices amplified, and their rights defended.

The fight isn’t over, but this case made one thing clear: Students have the right to associate freely, and when that right is threatened, we’re ready to respond.

If you’re looking for public relations assistance, don’t hesitate to contact me here: ellen@thelafayettecompany.com or visit thelafayettecompany.com. 

Indianapolis, August 12, 2025 – The North American Interfraternity Conference and Foundation for Fraternal Excellence jointly announce the hiring of Danny Ayres-Kobren as director of marketing. In this role, he will develop and execute proactive, industry-wide campaigns to tell the story of the fraternity experience; drive NIC and FFE educational program-related communication to increase attendance and engagement; and more.

“We are eager to have Danny join our team given his experience in higher education and fraternity communications. He will play a key role in ensuring our message about the value of the fraternal experience reaches the right audiences with clarity, consistency and impact — strengthening our connection with stakeholders and supporting our strategic goals,” said Judson Horras, NIC President and CEO.

Ayres-Kobren most recently worked at the Indiana Commission for Higher Education where he served as a communications specialist. In this role he led the agency’s mass marketing transition to Salesforce, in addition to crafting scripts, press releases, tracking news coverage and supporting social media. Prior to the Commission, he worked at his fraternal organization, Phi Sigma Kappa, as director of membership engagement and associate director of communications, as well as at multiple higher education institutions.

Chief Communications Officer Hillary Brewer shared, “We look forward to welcoming Danny to the NIC/FFE team this month. His wide range of skills and proven track record of adapting messaging to various audiences, overseeing email campaigns, crafting content calendars, and more, will elevate our collective work to share the value of the fraternal experience.”

“I am thrilled to be joining the NIC/FFE team. As a staunch advocate for the future of fraternity, the goals of these two organizations are close to my heart. I look forward to utilizing my years of fraternity communication experience to expand the reach of our mission,” said Ayres-Kobren.

Assuming the position held by Hillary Brewer, he will begin on August 18 and can be reached at danny.ayreskobren@fraternalexcellence.org following his start date. Ayres-Kobren holds a BS in professional journalism from the University of Minnesota and an MA in higher education administration from George Washington University.

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The North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) a trade association that represents national and international men’s fraternities, including a diverse range of culturally and religious-based organizations, on campuses in the United States and Canada. The NIC is committed to supporting opportunities for young men to seek and form positive, enriching fraternal bonds. The health and safety of students guides our advocacy, standards and education.

The Foundation for Fraternal Excellence (FFE) is comprised of more than 65 men’s, women’s and co-ed fraternal educational foundations and operates to advance the various needs of the dynamic industry. The FFE provides operational support for new and emerging fraternal foundations, working hand-in-hand with various fraternal communities and the NIC to strengthen and improve the entire fraternity/sorority experience through a culture of care, connection and research.

INDIANAPOLIS, July 7, 2025 – The North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) is pleased to announce the 2025 Gold Medal honoree, Kevin O’Neill, and two Silver Medal honorees: Dr. Robert Britton “Brit” Katz and Dr. Richard Walker. 

One of the oldest traditions of the NIC, the presentation of the Gold Medal dates to 1940. The Gold Medal is presented for lifelong service to the interfraternal community and is the highest interfraternal honor the NIC can bestow.  

Kevin O’Neill is a stalwart fraternity man dedicated to the membership experience from the local to federal level. A partner at Washington, D.C.’s Arnold & Porter firm since 2015, O’Neill began his professional career as director of chapter services at his fraternal organization Lambda Chi Alpha. Initiated at Syracuse University, he was deeply involved and invested in the institution, serving the student government association, as the Orangeman mascot and more.  

“No fraternity man has done more to shape and champion fraternity public policy than Kevin O’Neill. His unwavering commitment to our mission has left an enduring legacy, and I am deeply grateful for his service,” said NIC President and CEO Judson Horras. 

With nearly 25 years of lobbying experience, O’Neill has been instrumental in the NIC’s lobbying and advocacy efforts, especially related to the annual Fraternal Government Relations Coalition Capitol Hill Visits, support of the Anti-Hazing Coalition and the passage of the Stop Campus Hazing Act in 2024. O’Neill’s legislative accomplishments for his clients have led him to be one of D.C.’s most acclaimed lobbyists, earning “Top Lobbyist” recognition from Chambers USA, The Legal 500, The Hill and the National Institute of Lobbying and Ethics. 

The Silver Medal is presented for exemplary service or leadership in a role or task that has advanced the fraternal movement. It has been awarded since 1980. 

A Sigma Nu alumnus from Mississippi State University, Dr. R. Brit Katz is steadfast in his dedication to the fraternity experience and a vocal champion for the right of students to join fraternal organizations. For more than 40 years, Dr. Katz has supported students on campuses including University of South Carolina Upstate, Millsaps College, Emory University, Northeast Louisiana University, University of Southern Mississippi, and most recently at Southwestern University as vice president of student life and SGA advisor. 

In support of his nomination, Sigma Nu Executive Director Brad Beacham wrote, “He has personally advised and counseled countless hundreds of young men in their leadership of local chapters and interfraternity councils, going above and beyond the call of duty.” 

Dr. Katz continually shares his expertise with higher education institutions, associations, affiliated organizations and conference attendees. Throughout his tenure he has been tapped to lead presentations more than 45 times, covering topics such as sexual misconduct prevention, institutional partnerships, strategic planning, leadership and success, and more. In addition, Dr. Katz’s work has been cited or published in higher education publications more than 18 times. 

University of Houston-Clear Lake President, Dr. Richard Walker, a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon initiated at Middle Tennessee State University, has provided a lifetime of service to the interfraternal community across multiple college campuses and professional organizations. A true advocate for students and the fraternal experience, he has provided leadership to intentionally advance and enhance the quality and experiences fraternal organizations offer on college campuses nationwide. 

Dr. Walker has held numerous volunteer roles with Sigma Alpha Epsilon, including National New Member Education Committee Chair, National Leadership School Faculty, and Planning Committee member and more. Beyond SAE, he has served as president of the Association of Fraternity and Sorority Advisers and served the AFA Foundation as both a board member and treasurer. AFA awarded him the National Distinguished Service Award in 1989 and the Dr. Kent Gardner Award in 2018. He has also received accolades from multiple NIC member organizations, student groups and associations for his efforts. 

“For 40 years, Dr. Walker has been not only a Brother Hero for Sigma Alpha Epsilon, but he has also been a staunch supporter of fraternities and sororities across the country, advocating for students within the interfraternal community in each position he has held over his professional career,” shared Mark W. McDonough, Sigma Alpha Epsilon Eminent Supreme Archon and Christopher W. Hancock, former Eminent Supreme Recorder/CEO. 

The NIC presented Kevin O’Neill with the Gold Medal this past April and looks forward to presenting Dr. Katz and Dr. Walker with their medals later this summer. 

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Founded in 1909, the North American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) is a trade association that represents national and international men’s fraternities, including a diverse range of culturally and religious-based organizations, on campuses in the United States and Canada. The NIC is committed to supporting opportunities for young men to seek and form positive, enriching fraternal bonds. The health and safety of students guides our advocacy, standards and education. 

Media Contact: awards@nicfraternity.org