(PDF) (DOC) (JPG)September 21, 2017

Exhibit of 1,100 backpacks represents college students lost to suicide each year

MAHWAH, N.J. — Each year, approximately 1,100 college students lose their lives to suicide. On Wednesday, September 20, members of the Ramapo College of New Jersey campus and health and wellness organizations hosted a powerful event to raise awareness for mental health issues among young people who suffer from their effects.

Send Silence Packing is a traveling exhibit of 1,100 backpacks representing college students lost to suicide each year. Many of the backpacks were displayed with photos and personal stories of those affected by suicide. In recognition of its commitment to mental health awareness and suicide prevention, Ramapo College is one of only 17 institutions across the country selected to host the exhibit. The College also hosted the event in 2011.

Among the guest speakers was New Jersey State Senator Sandra Cunningham, Chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee.

“When we send our young people to college, we send them with a sense of hope and an opportunity to find who they want to be and what they can accomplish,” said Senator Cunningham. “We often don’t think about the other side—the stress and the inability to feel part of a larger group of people. When we look at each backpack, we are reminded that it isn’t just a number but it represents a young person who may have been searching for help. This exhibit is so powerful; it’s an opportunity to see the reality.”

Ramapo College Board of Trustees Chair George C. Ruotolo, Jr. set his prepared remarks aside and offered emotionally charged words. “I didn’t know what to expect when I arrived. I am overwhelmed,” he told the large crowd, recounting his own experiences with young people who took their own lives. “I am thankful for all your efforts in caring for yourselves and for others… I’m inspired by the work you’re doing.”

Send Silence Packing is a trademarked program of Active Minds.

Co-sponsors for the event were The Wellness Coalition, The Center for Health and Counseling, The Center for Student Involvement, Mahwah Stigma Free Task Force for Mental Health, and the Community Health Improvement Partnership of Bergen County.

###

About Ramapo College

Ramapo College of New Jersey is the state’s premier public liberal arts college and is committed to academic excellence through interdisciplinary and experiential learning, and international and intercultural understanding. The comprehensive college is situated among the beautiful Ramapo Mountains, is within commuting distance to New York City, was named one of the 50 Most Beautiful College Campuses in America by CondeNast Traveler, and boasts the best on-campus housing in New Jersey per Niche.com. Established in 1969, Ramapo College offers bachelor’s degrees in the arts, business, data science, humanities, social sciences and the sciences, as well as in professional studies, which include business, education, nursing and social work. In addition, the College offers courses leading to teacher certification at the elementary and secondary levels, and offers graduate programs leading to master’s degrees in Accounting, Applied Mathematics, Business Administration, Contemporary Instructional Design, Computer Science, Creative Music Technology, Data Science, Educational Leadership, Nursing, Social Work and Special Education, as well as a Doctor of Nursing Practice.

Press Release Archives

| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 |