Lewis University Raises Over $18,000 at 5th Annual Hope Walk for Suicide Prevention
Published: June 2, 2025.
Suicide prevention and mental health efforts received a financial boost of more than $18,000 from Lewis University’s 5th annual Out of the Darkness Hope Walk, sponsored by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, during the Spring semester.
The event raises awareness surrounding metal health and suicide prevention, accepting donations to invest in new research and educational programs that advocate for public policy and support survivors of suicide loss.
With over 300 participants and 37 teams, Lewis University surpassed the previous year’s funds. Walk participants and donations have nearly doubled since the inception of the walk at the university. Of the 717 AFSP Hope Walks nationwide completed as of May 1, Lewis University ranked No.20 in funds raised and #8 in funds raised within the AFSP Central Division!
Support for the event has continuously communicated messages of support, resilience and hope, uniting students, faculty, staff and the community to create safe spaces to talk about suicide prevention and mental health.
The Lewis University Student Wellness Center, Sandstone Care, Gateway Foundation, Naperville Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 42, Zoelife Psychiatric Services and Conventions Psychiatry and Counseling sponsored the walk.
Dr. Lorri McMeel, chair and associate professor of Lewis University’s Social Work program, has organized the event for five years, receiving help from social work student volunteers that have greatly contributed to the success of the Hope Walk at Lewis University. Skylar Sones, Flo Gerlak, and the Active Minds student organization contributed planning, securing sponsors, and creative ideas.
Ashley Eller, clinical care coordinator at the Lewis University Student Wellness Center, served as a co-chair of the Lewis University Out of the Darkness Hope Walk.
Lewis University is a modern, enterprising, Catholic university with a growing student enrollment from GED through doctoral level programs. As part of the global Lasallian network of 65 universities, Lewis is known for preparing graduates who impact the world for the better. Visit www.lewisu.edu for further information.
