A Fairfax County judge has signed off on the settlement between Virginia Commonwealth University and the family of freshman Adam Oakes – who died of alcohol poisoning after a Delta Chi frat party on February 27, 2021. In addition to paying the $995,000, the school agreed to implement fraternity and sorority reforms, it said in a statement Friday. These include a number of new measures aimed at stopping the gloom, such as a ban on alcohol at Greek life parties attended by new members. Students must also have completed 12 credits, attend membership training, and meet other requirements before they can join a frat or sorority. The school announced the settlement with the family on Friday and will also take steps to end the gloom.A.P “Nothing can ease the pain of losing someone so loved,” the family and school said in a joint statement, adding: “Our agreement honors his memory and our goal is to help save lives in the future.” VCU has designated Feb. 27 as its annual hazing prevention day, as well as a day of remembrance for the Oakes — for whom the school will create a memorial on campus. “This is a plan to promote a safer and healthier community for students who belong to fraternities and sororities and to create a climate of respect and inclusion necessary for academic success,” the statement said. Oakes died after drinking a bottle of whiskey as part of his initiation on 27 February 2021. Family photo Oakes, who had received a bid to join Delta Chi, attended the bash where he was to be paired with a “big brother.” He was told to drink the bottle of liquor as part of his initiation, and later passed out on a couch at home, where he was found dead the next morning. The coroner’s office found his cause of death to be alcohol poisoning. Days later, the university and the national chapter of Delta Chi suspended the local frat, ordering it to cease all activities. The fraternity was finally expelled in June 2021. In September, eight students were also arrested and charged with criminal mischief in Oakes’ death. “Adam was a beloved son, grandson, nephew, cousin, student and friend,” the joint statement from his family and VCU said. “He had a huge future ahead of him and his senseless death has brought untold pain and tragedy to all who knew him.” With Post cables