Fordham University’s second annual Out of the Darkness Walk will be on Saturday, April 5, as the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) returns to the Rose Hill Campus. Co-chairs Megan Ruzicka, FCRH ’27, and Laila Sayegh, FCRH ’27, call students to reignite open conversation about mental health issues and hope to provide a network for all Fordham affiliates who have been affected by suicide.

Free onsite registration for this event begins at 1 p.m. and the event starts at 2 p.m. Like last year, the campus loop begins in front of Keating Hall and moves through the Rose Hill campus in a clockwise direction. Participants will pass in front of Freeman Hall, continue straight until Campbell Hall and circle behind Martyrs’ Court before passing the front of Hughes Hall and heading back to Keating’s front steps.

“We always want to show students that they are supported and not alone,” said Ruzicka. “We also want to remember those we have lost.”

AFSP’s website states that the organization works to lower the number of suicides amongst college students by working with universities to counter stigmas surrounding mental health and provide resources and community for students who struggle with thoughts of suicide. Ruzicka’s work with the organization began in high school, and in 2023, she initiated the organization’s partnership with Fordham. Since 2023, Ruzicka has been the chair of the AFSP inaugural Junior Board of Directors in New Jersey. 

Last year’s walk had double the number of participants, as was the goal. Faculty, families, students and alumni showed up to support the cause. This year’s goal is to have over 100 participants and to focus on sponsorship and fundraising as all proceeds go to help AFSP continue providing free programming on campuses across the country. 

“Seeing all the families who showed up from off-campus was great,” said Sayegh. “It was great that through this on-campus project, we were able to build a community that went beyond campus.”

Sayegh helped with event sponsorships last year and became deeply involved with AFSP after attending the walk. As co-chair of the walk committee, she has focused on increasing fundraising and increasing student awareness and involvement. This year, the committee has increased opportunities for students to participate in fundraising. On March 12, students could purchase Chipotle and use a code for 25% of the day’s sales to be donated to ASFP. The committee also anticipates an on-campus bake sale to raise money.

There are various other ways to get involved and show support for ASFP and for the walk’s efforts. Students can participate, volunteer and lead teams of their peers at the walk. Those looking to be more involved in operational efforts can also join the AFSP walk committee. Fordham’s mental health-related clubs can table at the event and all clubs and student government committees can register under teams to lead a group of participants. Local businesses can become sponsors, advertise at the event and spread awareness of the event while contributing to creating a larger community effort.

“It feels like more than just a Fordham thing,” said Sayegh. “It feels like a community thing.”

By increasing student involvement, the committee hopes to make students aware of on-campus resources and to create a network of students who stand in solidarity with those struggling with their mental health. 

“It honestly felt amazing to see how willing people were to come together for this,” Ruzicka said. “I hope that this year we get more students involved to come out and see all the love and support their peers have for them.”

Pre-registration, links to donate and further information on this event can be found online.