Sigma Pi Lift a Thon Supports Mental Health Assn

Luke Petaccia, a senior small business and entrepreneurship student in the Leon Hess Business School (LHBS), recently hosted Sigma Pi Fraternity's 4th Annual Lift-a-thon, which raised money for the Mental Health Association of Monmouth County (MHA). Sigma Pi donated close to $2,500 and Petaccia presented the funds to Achille Dejean, MHA's executive director. This year marked several firsts for the event, including the first collaboration between the fraternity and the Department of Athletics to host the lift-a-thon in the athletes' weight room. This was also the first time that the lift-a-thon was open to all Monmouth students, and the fraternity was pleased to present top awards to students that were both affiliated and unaffiliated with Sigma Pi.

Sigma Pi's faculty adviser, Joseph Palazzolo '03, Ed.D., lecturer in the LHBS's Department of Management and Leadership, said that Petaccia, who planned, hosted, and fundraised for the event, displayed what it means to be an exemplary fraternity man. "These young men continue to defy the stereotype that surrounds fraternity life. I'm proud of their commitment and dedication to raising money that will help people they may never know," Palazzolo said. "In particular, Luke displayed incredible leadership and organizational skills by activating the chapter around supporting the MHA. Due to his inspiration, the chapter had a strong rally around this year's event and they established a strong blueprint for next year."

"We pride ourselves in being men of high character and take pride in performing to that level every day." Petaccia said. "We hope everyone remains aware of the mental health issues plaguing society today, especially among college-aged men. Sigma Pi will continue to put our best efforts into eliminating the stigma surrounding mental health and we will continue to promote awareness of mental health struggles."

This year's overall winner was Ben Bosio, who lifted a total of 1,155 pounds across the three lifts (squat, bench press, and deadlift). Anthony Puccio won the men's 165 lb. to 198 lb. weight class and Juliana Venezia won the women's division. Alessandro Campanella and Thomas Fekula tied to win the Sigma Pi division.

Palazzolo said the lift-a-thon began in 2021 as a way for the fraternity to achieve a double outcome: working together towards a positive cause, and supporting a worthy local organization that is doing great work for individuals in the Monmouth University community. He also thanked the Athletics Department for their collaboration, and lift-a-thon sponsors, including Bernard's Salon, Eat Clean Bro, Gianni's Pizzeria, Greek State of Mind, Hoagitos, Madden Wealth Advisors, Mangia Brick Oven Pizza, and Quantum Psychotherapy Group.