On Sept. 24, students and community members gathered on Upper Quad for the annual Suicide Prevention Walk. Organized by the men’s club rugby team in partnership with Alpha Delta Pi and the Student Nurses Association, the event raised awareness for suicide prevention while encouraging students to talk about mental health and support one another.
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The first walk was held in 2020 to honor three students who died by suicide: Jelyn Lee, a member of Alpha Delta Pi; Ryan Lahiff, a member of the Student Nurses Association; and Peter DeSalvo III, a rugby player.
“When you see so many people gathered on the quad for one cause, it’s really moving,” said men’s rugby president Thomas Ferreira.
Leading up to this year’s event, all three organizations delegated tasks among group members to make the walk a success. They held table times to sell purple suicide prevention shirts to raise money for the cause, plus ribbons and buttons were distributed around campus to spread the word.
“Everyone had their own responsibilities, and they were remarkable to work with,” said Ferreira.
At the event, sidewalks surrounding the quad were covered with hopeful messages written in chalk, including “you are loved,” “tomorrow needs you” and “never walk alone.”
Tables sold remaining event t-shirts, while the mental health awareness clothing brand Here For You offered Sacred Heart-themed merchandise and shared information about its mission of normalizing conversations around mental health.
“The t-shirts were a great fundraiser because not only did they raise money, but they also helped spread awareness,” said Ferreira. “People could wear the bright purple shirts around campus, keeping the message visible even after the event.”
Before participants began their walk around the quad, speakers from several campus organizations shared personal stories and reflections related to mental health and suicide prevention. While the event serves as a campus-wide reminder of the importance of supporting one another, it also holds a deeply personal meaning for the rugby program.
The walk was established in memory of former rugby player and alumnus Peter DeSalvo III, who lost his life to suicide. What began as a way to honor his memory has grown into an annual tradition that brings together students, athletes and community members in support of mental health awareness.
“When you bring together multiple organizations, students and athletes, there’s power in numbers. It creates a welcoming environment and shows people they’re not alone,” said Ferreira.
The team further honors DeSalvo by hosting a Rugby 7s tournament each spring in his memory. Like the walk, the tournament has become a lasting tradition within the program.
“We started wearing the number three on our jerseys as a reminder that we’re always playing for something bigger than ourselves. The walk reflects that,” said Ferreira.
The walk can hold a different meaning for every participant. Some attend in memory of a loved one they have lost, while others walk in support of friends, family members or their own mental health journeys. Despite those different experiences, the intention is that no one should have to face life’s struggles alone.
“It is important to speak up if you are struggling because there are so many people that want to help,” said senior Julia Arnone.
The chalk messages covering the sidewalks may eventually wash away, but the meaning endures long after the event ends. For those who attended, the walk stood as a reminder that even during life’s most difficult moments, there is always someone willing to listen, help, and walk alongside you.
“If you see someone walking by themselves, walk with them. No one’s ever walking alone,” said Ferreira.
If you or anybody you know may be at risk of suicide, contact Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
