The Hazing Prevention Network (HPN) proudly announces the recipients of the 2025 Hank Nuwer Anti-Hazing Hero Award, recognizing individuals who have shown extraordinary courage and leadership in standing up to hazing and promoting safer, more inclusive communities. Named in honor of pioneering anti-hazing journalist and author Hank Nuwer, the award is generously sponsored by Favor & Company and continues HPN’s mission to highlight the efforts of those making a lasting impact in hazing prevention.
Presented annually, the award honors those who challenge harmful traditions, elevate awareness, and inspire others to take action. As we approach National Hazing Prevention Week 2025, observed September 22–26, HPN is proud to recognize seven exceptional individuals whose commitment to hazing prevention exemplifies the spirit of this award:
Susie Bruce
Susie is the Director of the University of Virginia’s Gordie Center, which works to end hazing and substance misuse among college and high school students nationwide through evidence-informed, student-tested resources. She has 30 years’ experience in collegiate health promotion, with expertise in the social norms approach, peer education, and curriculum infusion. She directs the APPLE Training Institutes: the leading national strategic training program for substance misuse prevention and health promotion for student-athletes and athletics departments and is a Faculty Affiliate of Youth-Nex, the Center to Promote Effective Youth Development. A leader in the hazing prevention community said “In her unwavering commitment to safety and community, Susie stands as a foremost leader in the prevention of hazing and dangerous drinking. Her generous spirit and dedication have empowered countless campuses to build effective prevention programs, fostering environments where students can thrive.”
Hailey Flavin
At the University of Tennessee, Hailey Flavin has led transformative efforts as chair of the Hazing Prevention Committee. She helped embed research-informed practices into campus culture, developed a comprehensive hazing prevention curriculum, and collaborated closely with faculty to identify and respond to signs of hazing. Under her leadership, hazing prevention remains a campus-wide priority, empowering students through awareness and education.
Shari and Cory Foltz
After the tragic loss of their son, Stone, to hazing, Shari and Cory Foltz turned grief into action by founding the I Am Stone Foltz Foundation. Keeping their promise to Stone, they became tireless advocates, helping pass Collin’s Law in Ohio, which elevated hazing to a felony offense. Their outreach doesn’t stop at policy—they’ve delivered powerful educational programming in high schools and colleges across the Midwest, sharing Stone’s story and promoting responsible choices through alcohol education. Their work is saving lives and reshaping culture.
Dr. Jason Meriwether
A national thought leader and dedicated educator, Dr. Jason L. Meriwether has devoted more than a decade to hazing prevention across higher education. His doctoral research at Indiana State University, The Impact of Hazing Rituals on the Intent to Report, shed light on how students perceive and rationalize hazing. Through his long-standing work with Greek University, Dr. Meriwether has reached thousands of students, athletes, advisors, and administrators with compelling, evidence-based presentations that empower communities to act.
Marc Sloan and Jennifer Leung
At the College of William & Mary, Marc Sloan and Jennifer Leung co-lead the Hazing Prevention Coalition, setting a high standard through their knowledge, action, and dedication. Both serve as investigators when hazing is reported and remain actively involved in education efforts surrounding Adam’s Law, Virginia’s hazing prevention statute. Their continued commitment to daily progress and campus education makes them invaluable leaders in the fight against hazing.
The Hazing Prevention Network is a national nonprofit dedicated to empowering people to prevent hazing by building awareness, providing education and resources, advocating for change, and forging strong partnerships. Through signature initiatives such as National Hazing Prevention Week™, the Hazing Prevention Institute™, and Prevent.Zone™ online education programs, HPN impacts hundreds of thousands of individuals and organizations across the country. Learn more at hazingpreventionnetwork.org.
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July 21, 2025
