Butler University announced today the creation of the Lori Ziemba and Ken Massaroni Greek Life Leadership Institute funded by a generous $1.2 million commitment from Butler graduates Lori Ziemba ʼ82 and former Trustee Ken Massaroni ʼ83. The couple’s gift was inspired by their own fraternity and sorority experiences at Butler and those of their daughter, Frankie Massaroni ʼ14. The Institute is designed to foster leadership development among members of the Butler fraternity and sorority community and will begin offering programming in fall 2025. The Institute’s initial offerings will include developmental training to further equip students holding leadership positions within Butler’s fraternity and sorority community, with future plans to expand programming to serve larger audiences.
“Over the years we came to realize how important the Greek system at Butler was to us personally and to the very unique character of the University. Greek life taught us about leadership, life lessons, philanthropy, and building community. Through the Leadership Institute we will give all Greek members the opportunity to strengthen these skills so that they may in turn take them to their housing units, the campus, and out into the community both while in school and throughout life beyond their years at Butler,” the donors said.
The Institute will be housed within the Division of Student Affairs under the direction of the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life. Examples of potential Institute programs include strengths-based development, emerging leaders experiences, educational speaker series, and a leadership summit for chapter presidents and council executive board officers.
“Lori and Ken’s generous gift is a testament to the power of their own Greek Life experiences at Butler and their belief in the transformative potential of student leadership,” Butler University President James Danko said. “The Lori Ziemba and Ken Massaroni Greek Life Leadership Institute will provide invaluable opportunities for growth, empowerment, and community impact, helping our students to thrive not just in their chapters, but in all aspects of their lives. We are deeply grateful for their commitment to shaping the next generation of leaders and reinforcing Butler’s dedication to providing an exceptional, values-driven education.”
Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life Devin Hall says the Institute will further elevate Butler’s distinctive fraternity and sorority experience.
“With 40 percent of Butler’s undergraduate population involved in fraternities and sororities, this gift is an investment in a significant number of Butler students, many of whom are leaders across campus. This Institute will expand co-curricular learning opportunities that will cultivate confident, values-driven leaders ready to impact their chapters, community, and future careers. With a strong emphasis on personal growth and well-being, the Institute positions Butler as a game-changing university providing a transformative fraternity and sorority experience,” Hall said.
Butler’s fraternity and sorority community includes 26 organizations representing more than 1,200 undergraduate students. Thirteen chapters offer a residential experience and 11 organizations are city wide, allowing students from more than one college or university to join their local chapter. During the 2023-2024 academic year, Butler’s fraternity and sorority community raised $454,547 for philanthropic causes and completed 17,047 hours of community service. Prioritizing academic excellence, in fall 2024, 20 percent of fraternity and sorority students earned a 4.0 GPA, with a community average of 3.52 GPA.
A major goal of the Lori Ziemba and Ken Massaroni Greek Life Leadership Institute is to enhance a sense of belonging on campus for Butler’s Greek-affiliated students while advancing overall student well-being and engagement. The Institute is consistent with Butler’s commitment to investing in meaningful, high-quality programs leading to successful student outcomes.
The Institute is being launched with a current use gift in order to provide immediate impact for current Butler students. The fund will eventually become endowed to provide ongoing leadership development for the Butler fraternity and sorority community in perpetuity through the Institute.
“On behalf of Butler University and our students, I am extremely grateful to Lori and Ken for their visionary investment in developing future leaders through the creation of the Lori Ziemba and Ken Massaroni Greek Life Leadership Institute,” Dr. Khalilah Marbury, Vice President for DEI and Student Affairs, said. “This gift will not only enhance the student experience for members of our fraternity and sorority community but will also have a far-reaching impact as these students go on to apply their leadership skills in their chosen careers and communities after graduation.”
Philanthropic gifts fuel our mission. The Office of University Advancement exists to match the Butler community’s philanthropic interests with University needs in support of our strategic direction. Make a gift today or learn more about Butler’s current giving priorities.