Plainview parent Mark Warren is using his son’s story to spread awareness on the risks involved during a Greek event.
“Our mission is to save kids’ lives, so that others don’t have to go through what we went through,” Warren said.
Warren’s 18-year-old-son, Clay Warren, died in September 2002 during his freshman year at Texas Tech University. Warren and his wife woke up to the news that their son was killed in a car accident after a fraternity event the night before.
“It’s an unbelievable feeling,” Warren said. “It’s something that you never want to experience. It’s something that you don’t want to ever happen to anyone else.”
Warren told EverythingLubbock.com he was reminded of his son’s death when he heard the news of a Texas State student who died after a fraternity initiation Wednesday.
“I feel for the families,” Warren said. “I feel for even the students who are responsible that they’re really going to find out now their accountability for their decisions.”
Warren has used his son’s story to create awareness within the Greek community and start the Clay R. Warren Risk Management Retreat.
“We want them to be responsible and we want them to plan, and we want it to be safe,” Warren said.
He teamed up with Texas Tech to make a plan with the Center of Campus Life, which manages the Greek system as one of their organizations.
“We keep track of risk management, and we also keep track of the hot-button topics throughout the year,” Center of Campus Life Director Kimberly Thornton said.
Through this program, the Greek Council meets with all of the 59 fraternities and sororities throughout each semester to educate on risks involved and check in on the status of each chapter.
“We’re trying to teach them how to plan these and have successful events, not tragic events that have been happening,” Warren said.
Their next series will take place in early Spring of 2018.
