Photos By Lorraine Castaneda, '28
In 2022, Darcy Dawson began working at Doane University. In that same year, she became the advisor for Active Minds. The Colors For Hope event on Sept. 10 was the fifth that Dawson had participated in.
“I would love for the event to grow each year to include more community resources and campus groups.” Dawson said, “In addition, having more and more students attend each year is also the goal.”
Active Minds president Emma Schuele estimates that 380 people were in attendance, with 15 groups tabling, including Mourning Hope Grief Center, Doane Players, and several Greek groups. Dinner was held outside on the Lakeside Patio, where groups had tables with activities and information.
“The ultimate goal is to bring awareness and support for suicide prevention,” Schuele shared.
Guest speaker Alison Walla shared how her life changed after her dad died by suicide in her freshman year of college. Dawson shared that Walla was selected based on “her firsthand experience with loss as a college student.”
After the guest speaker, students and community members ended the evening with a glow walk, with many of those walking sporting temporary tattoos or glowstick accessories.
Reflecting on the event after the fact, Schuele said she would like to start planning the next one this spring or summer “to be able to better prepare things for the whole week, and this event.”
“The message of Colors for Hope is so important because we all struggle at times. It reminds students that resources are available and that there are people who care about their well-being,” Dawson said.
