Campus Organizations Partner on Suicide Awareness Exhibit

Purdue Student Government (PSG), Boilermaker Support Network (BSN), Office of the Dean o Students (ODOS) and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) partnered on a pair of exhibits to increase awareness of suicide on college campus, enhance suicide prevention efforts and promote awareness of resources available on campus. 

The “Field of Memories: Be Aware, Show You Care Flag Exhibit,” invited students, faculty and staff to personalize a flag to show their support to others or to honor a memory of someone who has died by suicide. Participants could create memorials and share messages of hope and positive words to those who may be struggling. The exhibit was displayed on the Johnson Hall of Nursing lawn on September 9 in recognition of Suicide Awareness Month and World Suicide Prevention Day. 

“This event seeks to enhance help-seeking and decrease stigma surrounding mental health through positive messaging and to help students not feel along in their struggles,” says Chris Hanes, director of CAPS. “The exhibit gave our Purdue community an opportunity to demostrate their support in a profound, powerful manner and it was wonderful to see.”

The Field of Memories exhibit was originally created by the University of Central Florida’s Counseling and Psychological Services department and has been a signature event on their campus since 2011. The exhibit is a powerful and poignant visual display representing the 1,100 suicides that occur on college campus in the U.S. every year. CAPS and the Office of the Dean of Students (ODOS) partnered to bring the exhibit to Purdue as a suicide prevention initiative in collaboration with student leaders in BSN and PSG.

Flags with messages from the Field of Memories exhibit were then collected in vases and displayed in 21 locations around campus throughout the month in an exhibit known as Vases of Hope, a new initiative organized by ODOS and BSN. The vases held the flags as well as QR codes to sign up for QPR Suicide Prevention Training, information on BSN weekly group meetings and a card reminding viewers about the Student of Concern reporting tool. 

“While picking up the Vases of Hope, we noted that several areas added additional messages of hope and support which demonstrates the ongoing conversations related to suicide prevention,” says Zenephia Evans, associate dean of students of education and advocacy in ODOS.

Campus partners, including PSG, BSN, ODOS, and CAPS, participated in the event by sharing resources and supporting the exhibit. Through its many resources, ODOS offers a network of support with staff that collaborate to support student mental health and well-being.

ODOS is an umbrella of units that empower, support and advocate for students. CAPS and Education and Advocacy are the two areas that worked collaboratively on these events. Specialized areas within ODOS also include: Center for Advocacy, Response and Education; Fraternity, Sorority and Cooperative Life; Off-Campus Housing; Parent and Family Connections; Student Health Services; Student Legal Services; and Student Rights and Responsibilities. 

CAPS is a team of multicultural professionals who deliver comprehensive psychological services to Purdue students. CAPS helps Purdue students maximize the value of their life experiences by developing collaborative relationships in a safe and respectful environment. CAPS’ portfolio of professional services includes individual, group and couples' psychotherapy; psychopharmacology; crisis intervention; drug and alcohol programs; outreach and consultation; and the training of helping professionals. 

PSG serves as the primary representative organization of the undergraduate student body at Purdue University. PSG acts as a liaison between the Purdue University administration, governmental authorities and the student body to serve the needs of Purdue students and to enhance the student experience at Purdue University.

BSN is a community and student organization that helps to improve student mental health and well-being through weekly, peer-facilitated groups and bi-weekly stress-relief events. The organization seeks to eliminate the harsh social stigmas, financial burdens and timing inconveniences associated with discussing topics related to mental health and well-being. The organization is supported by ODOS.

Locations and Organizations that Participated in Vases of Hope