First Psi Chi Suicide Awareness Walkathon: ‘People Want to Support You’

September 19, 2025 Killian Altayeb News 0

A sidewalk with pastel chalk writing promoting a suicide awareness walkathon reading “1st annual Suicide Awareness Walkathon” and “Tomorrow needs YOU!” Also visible on the pavement nearby are a few pairs of feet where people are standing, as well as a dog lying on the sidewalk.
Chalk messages written by walkathon participants and Psi Chi members. The event was more than just a walk, providing chalk for participants to write messages of support (Photo by Killian Altayeb).

The quad was full of teal and purple on Monday night as staff, students and faculty gathered for Psi-Chi’s first Suicide Awareness Walkathon.

After an introductory speech by Grand Blanc senior and Psi Chi President Payton Landry and Fowlerville senior and Psi Chi Vice President Hannah Arledge, participants walked three laps around the quad. Psi Chi, the international psychology honor society, is entirely student-driven, though associate professor of psychology and Psi Chi advisor Tammy Jechura said she helped guide early planning.

“It’s easy to be in a organization, a group, but it’s a different thing to actually do stuff with that group, to be a part of something bigger than yourself,” Jechura said.

Hosted during National Suicide Awareness Month, Landry said the event grew from the group’s shared goal of sparking conversation.

“Even though these topics can feel uncomfortable, they need to be talked about,” Landry said. “The walk is meant to bring our campus community together to honor those who have been lost and to support those who are struggling.”

Landry said planning began the first week of the semester, with members reaching out to groups like Active Minds, of which Arledge is the president, and the Office of Integrated Wellness, which helped advertise the event.

“Everyone’s been touched by suicide in one way or another,” Landry said. “Knowing there are people here to talk to and support you, it’s comforting.”

Arledge said the walkathon was meant to “bring awareness.”

“At Albion, everyone is allowed to be exactly who they want to be,” Arledge said. “But we also need to talk about the hard topics on campus, whether that be LGBTQ+ issues, whether that be something in regards to suicide, whether that be self harm.”

Arledge added the goal was to acknowledge and understand that “there are people who aren’t here today due to that tragic event, and thinking about the people that just believe they couldn’t be here anymore.”

Though this was the group’s first walkathon, Jechura said she hopes it will become an annual event.

“We can measure its success over time by increasing numbers,” Jechura said. “The most important part: Just letting people know that people are out there, people care, people want to support you.”

For those who may be struggling, support is available through Albion College Counseling Services, Albion’s Summit Pointe and the national Crisis Text Line, reachable by dialing 741741.

A table with suicide awareness items, including wristbands, ribbons and badges on a “PSI CHI” cloth, with chalk writing “ENOUGH” on the concrete steps behind the table.
A collection of pins, wristbands and ribbons displayed for participants to wear during the walk. Items bore messages such as “Tomorrow Needs You” and “I wear teal and purple for someone who meant the world to me” (Photo by Killian Altayeb).
Arledge speaks before the walkathon about its purpose. Quoting Amanda Gorman’s inaugural speech, Arledge said, "There is always light, if only we're brave enough to see it, if only we're brave enough to be it” (Photo by Killian Altayeb).
A group of people gathered outside a brick building with a metal sign reading, “OLIN HALL.” A young woman wearing a teal tank top and black leggings stands on the steps, reading from a phone screen.
A group of people walking on a tree-lined path on a campus quad.
Participants walk along the quad, some wearing teal or purple, the official colors for Suicide Prevention Month (Photo by Killian Altayeb).
About Killian Altayeb 62 Articles
Killian Altayeb is from Novi, Michigan, and is a senior at Albion College. As a Biochemistry and Spanish Major, they have a journalistic interest in all things public health. Contact Killian via email at [email protected].

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