Saint Joseph's University Out of the Darkness Walk 2025

Want to help Saint Joseph's University raise awareness for mental health and suicide prevention?

My name is Michael McNicholas, and I am the Co-Chair of the SJU Out of the Darkness Walk alongside my incredible partner, Felicia Caroll, for the 2025-26 year.

Saint Joseph’s University’s Dean’s Leadership Program hosts the annual Out of the Darkness Walk, which is an event that raises awareness of the prevalence of mental health in our community and surrounding communities. The Dean’s Leadership Program initiated the Out

of the Darkness Walk in 2015 to honor the memory of a member of the SJU community whom we lost to suicide. This is an especially significant year for us, as not only will this year mark 10 years of our Out of the Darkness Walk, we will be walking in honor of a student who lost their battle with their mental health over the summer.

This walk creates an atmosphere of support for those who are struggling with mental health issues and strives to enable those struggling to not feel shame, but rather to feel connected with those around them. The Out of the Darkness Walk further provides the opportunity for attendees to self-reflect on their mental health, to remember those whom they have lost, and to be supported in this process through unity and love. All donations go directly to Active Minds, Inc, whose information is below.

Active Minds, Inc.

Active Minds is the largest nonprofit in the United States mobilizing youth and young adults to transform mental health norms across society. For more than 20 years, we have equipped the next generation of peer mental health advocates through a variety of programs, including the Active Minds Chapter Network, A.S.K., and Send Silence Packing. Our advocacy, initiatives, and campaigns foster lasting change in how youth view and discuss mental health, encouraging them to use their voices to influence broader conversations and inform mental health supports within their communities. Together, we are building a diverse movement of champions committed to improving mental health for all.

Every contribution, big or small, makes a real impact. Even just a few dollars can help move this mission forward and reach those who need it most.

If you can’t donate right now, sharing this fundraiser is also incredibly helpful. Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity. It means the world to me.

Thank you!

Michael McNicholas and Felicia Carroll