The University of Northern Iowa hosted its annual Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk on Saturday, April 5, 2025, on the UNI campus. The event, which serves as a fundraiser for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), brings together individuals, families and communities in support of suicide prevention research, education and survivors of suicide loss.
The walk was a powerful reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and the need for ongoing conversations about suicide prevention. Those who participated in the event shared personal stories, heartfelt motivations and insights on why events like this are essential in shaping a supportive campus culture around mental health.
For many participants, joining the Out of the Darkness Walk was more than just about raising funds—it was a way to connect with others who share a similar mission. Sam Hospodarsky, assistant director of Student Success & Retention says, “I want everyone at UNI to know that they are not alone and that the world is a better place with them in it.” She went on to emphasize the importance of supporting access to mental health care for all, saying, “Mental health matters. Every single human being deserves access to mental health care and I want to do what I can to support that mission.”
Nathalia Pizarro, a UNI student who volunteered at the event, shared a deeply personal reason for attending: “I dealt with personal struggles in the past, and while I use mental health resources now, I always reflect on it and realize there are many others who have felt like me. Everyone goes through mental health struggles, and the last thing I want is for others to feel like they’re alone in this.”
Events like the Out of the Darkness Walk provide an opportunity to open up crucial conversations around mental health and suicide, particularly in a university setting. Pizarro says, “This event did great with providing resources and discussions on furthering research for mental health. I benefited most from it when the keynote speaker mentioned how to see the signs of someone who could have suicidal thoughts, and how to help them.”
The discussion surrounding mental health was not just academic; it was personal and practical. “It is great that the people who attended got to learn,” said Pizarro. “However, I would hope this is something everyone on campus knew. This event not only helped UNI students but the community in the Cedar Valley as well. It is important for us all to have a great understanding of these topics in suicide and mental health because the transparency provides comfort to those who feel this way.”
The event also served as an important reminder that even small actions can make a big difference. Pizarro points out, “It comes down to the faculty, staff and students. Not saying we will always notice the signs of suicidal thoughts, but people at times just need a welcoming environment. So a simple ‘hello’ or even a smile makes anyone’s day better.”
The Out of the Darkness Walk was filled with moments of connection—whether it was walking with friends, writing messages of positivity on sticky notes or simply being surrounded by others who understand the importance of mental health. “I walked with a team from our office, and our team name was Student Success & Retention,” Hospodarsky shared. “A grad assistant in our office, Jerrell Bates, was the president this year, so we formed a team to support him and come together for this important cause.”
Pizarro reflected on the joy of seeing people come together for a shared mission, saying, “I lit up with a smile because I realized how much people were willing to come together for this event. Whether it was UNI students who came by to support or families with their children, I was just glad to be a part of it.”
The event participants are hopeful that the success of the Out of the Darkness Walk will inspire continued efforts to raise awareness and reduce stigma surrounding mental health and suicide. Participants suggested that future outreach efforts could expand beyond the walk itself, such as through ongoing campus initiatives like the uplifting sticky notes found in restrooms or chalk messages written on the sidewalk. These small, positive reminders have a lasting impact, fostering a culture of support and care across campus.
The consensus from participants was clear: the Out of the Darkness Walk is just the beginning of an ongoing conversation about mental health. “I hope these events continue to grow on campus,” Pizarro says. “So many student organizations are already working on events like this throughout the school year. This is something that should involve all of us—faculty, staff and students—to continue promoting a welcoming and supportive environment.”
