Students participate in SAU’s first Out of the Darkness Campus Walk to raise awareness for suicide prevention and mental health support.
Photo Courtesy of Zyon Velazquez
Story by: Mary Schultz, BuzzStaff Writer
Students at St. Ambrose University gathered Thursday, April 30, at 4 p.m. for the university’s very first Out of the Darkness Campus Walk, raising awareness for suicide prevention and supporting those affected by mental health struggles.
Organizers say the event exceeded expectations, with over 60 participants and nearly $4,000 raised, reflecting strong student involvement despite a short planning timeline.
For many students, the event holds personal meaning. Amelia Jones, a freshman psychology major, says she participated to spread awareness after seeing friends struggle with mental health in high school. “I really want to spread awareness… even if it only reaches one person,” Jones says.
The walk focuses on creating a supportive environment where students feel comfortable talking about mental health. SAU Counseling Center organizer and counselor Sarah Godwin says the event raised awareness for suicide prevention and the work of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention while also addressing a difficult topic that affects many college-aged students. She also notes that suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 18-24, making conversations like these especially important.
Godwin explains that college is often a time of major life transitions that can make mental health challenges harder to manage. She emphasizes the importance of normalizing these struggles and encouraging students to reach out for help, reminding participants that support is available both on and off campus.
Students also highlight the impact of coming together as a community. Kennedy Kerby, a senior social work major, says that being part of the event helps bring attention to an issue that many people overlook. “You are not alone… be courageous and reach out for help when you need it.”
According to organizers, the funds raised from the event will support free programming that focuses on suicide prevention. These programs aim to educate both students and the Davenport community on suicide risk factors, how to have safe conversations, and how to connect individuals with available resources.
In addition to events like the walk, St. Ambrose University provides resources to help students better understand and respond to mental health challenges. One of these is QPR training, which stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer. The training teaches students, faculty, and staff how to recognize the warning signs of suicide and how to respond to someone who may be in crisis.
QPR focuses on practical skills, including how to ask someone directly if they are struggling, how to encourage them to seek help, and how to connect with appropriate resources. The goal is to help individuals feel more confident stepping in and supporting someone in need. According to information provided by the Counseling Center, the training helps participants overcome uncertainty and take action when someone may be experiencing suicidal thoughts.
Campus resources also include access to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which provides free and confidential support 24 hours a day, as well as a local crisis line and on-campus support.
