On October 20th, the Daemen Campus Community came together to raise awareness for suicide prevention in honor of Jennifer “Jenny” McAlmont, a talented, vibrant student who tragically passed away in 2014. The event, proposed by Lois Foster, Jenny’s mom, and coordinated by the Daemen University CHIP Center with the support of American Federation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) was a tremendous success, raising over $3,600 for suicide prevention, nearly doubling the initial goal.
Besides all of the individual gifts received, Univera Health Care committed $1000 to the cause. Univera President and Daemen Board Member Art Wingerter indicated that he was “happy to help for such a great cause” and wanted to expand on other ways that Univera could engage their team members in more of Daemen’s health awareness events.
Despite less than ideal weather conditions, over 270 registered faculty, staff, and students came together in the WIck Social Room. Dr. Greg Nayor, senior vice president for strategic initiatives, kicked off the event, welcoming the crowd, and standing in awe of the amount of people who came out to support the Walk. Nayor noted that, “I have hosted numerous events in this room over the past 8 years, including open houses, senior events, and more, and the last time I saw this room this crowded was when we held a service for Jenny.”.
The highlight of the event came shortly thereafter when Lois Foster, Jenny’s mom, came up to the podium to share Jenny’s story. As Foster delivered her poignant words about heartbreak and hope, she reminded us that, “if you, or someone you know, is considering suicide, please, please seek out the mental health support services offered at Daemen…no mother should feel my pain.”
Following Foster’s speech, Ashley Frazier, director of the CHIP Center and the organizer of the event, shared comments about resources and support, before leading participants on a walk to the Jenny McAlmont Memorial Garden where all walkers placed a purple flower in carefully placed vases and stayed for a moment of silence in Jenny’s honor. Gone, but not forgotten, Jenny’s impact is still felt by the Daemen Campus today.
Frazier wants this event to become an annual event and to ensure that anyone who needs help, gets it. “We want to help everyone feel comfortable and welcome to talk to someone. We encourage students in need to use our mental health services on campus and beyond,” said Frazier.