The Hazing Prevention Network proudly announces the recipients of the 2026 Hank Nuwer Anti-Hazing Hero Award, recognizing individuals whose courage, leadership, and unwavering commitment are helping create safer and more inclusive communities free from hazing.
Named in honor of pioneering journalist, author, and anti-hazing advocate Hank Nuwer, the award celebrates those who challenge harmful traditions, advance awareness, and inspire meaningful change. Generously sponsored by Favor & Company, the award reflects HPN’s commitment to recognizing individuals whose actions are making a lasting impact.
Presented annually, the Hank Nuwer Anti-Hazing Hero Award honors those who demonstrate that prevention begins with leadership. Through advocacy, education, research, policy, and personal courage, recipients embody cultures rooted in respect, belonging, and accountability.
As National Hazing Prevention Week approaches, September 21–25, 2026, HPN is honored to recognize four exceptional individuals whose efforts exemplify the spirit of this award:
Alisa Hayes, MD, MSAM
Dr. Alisa Hayes is an Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Through years of clinical practice and medical education, she recognized a gap in awareness surrounding hazing-related injuries and the absence of guidance to help physicians identify victims of hazing.
Partnering with a medical student mentee, Dr. Hayes conducted a comprehensive literature review and published research aimed at helping healthcare professionals recognize hazing-related injuries and prevent future harm. Her work has brought an important medical perspective to the national conversation on hazing prevention and reflects her commitment to research, education, and mentorship.
Gina Merritt-Epps, Esq.
Gina Merritt-Epps, Esq., serves as International First Vice President of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. She expanded the “Finer Women Don’t Haze” program which, under her leadership, the team developed innovative anti-hazing strategies and, through a partnership with The Harbor Institute, helped create A Pledge for Life, a customized educational experience that has reached more than 3,000 members.
Gina has strengthened Zeta Phi Beta’s anti-hazing policies, streamlined reporting processes, and fostered an environment where members can report concerns without fear of retaliation. Her leadership and passion for education have reinforced the sorority’s commitment to providing a safe and rewarding membership experience.
Sheila Rea
Sheila Rea serves as Fraternity & Sorority Life Coordinator and Chair of the Hazing Prevention Team at Florida Gulf Coast University. For many years, she has led campus-wide efforts to strengthen hazing prevention education, reporting processes, and collaboration among students, staff, and administrators.
As a member of Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc., Sheila brings a deep commitment to values-based sisterhood and accountability. Through her leadership, advocacy, and years of service, she has empowered others to speak up and helped cultivate a culture grounded in respect, safety, and belonging.
Stevan J. Veldkamp, Ed.D.
Stevan J. Veldkamp, Ed.D., serves as Executive Director of the Timothy J. Piazza Center for Fraternity and Sorority Research at Penn State University. With more than three decades of experience in higher education, he has dedicated his career to advancing student development and evidence-based prevention initiatives.
Dr. Veldkamp co-authored Advancing Comprehensive Hazing Prevention and, in 2026, co-led the development of the Piazza Center’s policy and practice report, Charge for Change: Building Safer Campuses Now with Research-Informed Hazing Prevention. Drawing on decades of scholarship and recent multi-campus studies, the report provides colleges and universities with actionable, research-informed strategies to meet the requirements of the Stop Campus Hazing Act and build safer campus communities.
“Heroes aren’t always the loudest voices in the room,” said Todd Shelton, executive director of the Hazing Prevention Network. “Often, they are the people who have the courage to challenge harmful norms, advocate for others, and lead by example. These honorees remind us that every individual has the power to influence culture and create communities where belonging never comes at the expense of safety or dignity.”
The Hazing Prevention Network is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people to prevent hazing through education, resources, advocacy, and strategic partnerships. Through signature initiatives including National Hazing Prevention Week™, the Hazing Prevention Institute™, and Hazing Prevention: It’s Everyone’s Responsibility™ online education programs developed in partnership with Prevent.Zone by AliveTek, HPN reaches hundreds of thousands of students, educators, professionals, and organizations each year.
To learn more about National Hazing Prevention Week, visit nhpw.org.
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