As a crowd gathered, the dull murmur of conversation and the melodies of music echoing from the speakers shrouded the silent recognition of the reason for everyone’s presence on Thursday’s warm, sunny afternoon.

The Department of Wellness at Oklahoma State University, with help from the Cowboys Care Initiative and numerous other partners across campus, hosted the annual Suicide Awareness Walk for students, faculty and staff outside the Colvin Recreation Center.

“Thank you to all who have gathered here today in support of suicide prevention and awareness,” First Cowgirl Angela Hess said. “As parents, siblings and friends, Jim and I cannot begin to express how deeply we feel for you or anyone who has lost a loved one through suicide.”

During her opening remarks, Hess shared stories of the loss of her brother and brother-in-law, unexpectedly and “far too soon,” as both men were in their 50s. She also shared her own mental health challenges, dating back to when she was a young child.

Her stories of challenges and loss turned to affirmations of support for those facing challenges connected to mental health and dedication to battling the stigmas surrounding mental health and the necessary conversations to overcome those challenges.

“As president and first cowgirl for Oklahoma State University, Jim and I committed to supporting anyone dealing with grief, anxiety, depression and other mental health issues that we often don't talk about,” Hess said. “Sadly, as a society, we have stigmatized the conversations that we need to have about mental health challenges in our families and in our communities.”

As the one-mile walk commenced, it provided each participant the opportunity to reflect on the challenges they or loved ones have faced or continue to face, as well as a chance to connect with others in the Cowboy community who have dealt with similar challenges.

For Traci Dodd, a new psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and OSU alumna, the event provided reassurance that OSU is dedicated to addressing mental health for all members of the Cowboy family.

“I think walks like these are incredibly important,” Dodd said. “I remember back when I graduated, suicide awareness was not a thing; we didn’t have walks on campus; we didn’t even have people talking about it. Now being able to come back and see that it’s so thoroughly addressed on campus makes my heart feel good.”

The Cowboys Care Initiative, championed by Angela Hess, was created last fall to help combat the stigmas surrounding mental health and create a supportive community for the entire Cowboy family, so no one feels alone.

Mina Salim, a biology/pre-med sophomore, believes that’s exactly what Cowboys Care and events like Suicide Awareness Walk are doing for students on campus.

“A lot of people in my generation feel like they can’t talk about mental health,” Salim said. “It's good to know, especially in college, that you're not alone. College is really hard, and it can feel very isolating, especially if you're away from home. So, having events like this, people can hear the word and know that there are people who are there for them that they might not even know.”

As participants finished their walks and connected with representatives from mental health resources from University Health Services, Active Minds and the Cowboys Care Ambassadors, Hess' earlier statement of dedication to the mental health awareness cause seemed abundantly clear.

“Our mission is clear,” Hess said. “Reduce the stigma, start conversations, encourage those who are struggling to seek help, connect students, faculty and staff with our many mental health services and resources across this great campus and beyond.

“Ultimately, be an advocate for the unseen, for the unheard and anybody who is struggling in silence.”