‘Day of Hope’ brings Bruins together for care, connection and community

Like daisies, a garden of yellow umbrellas sprung up from the lawn of Dickson Plaza South on Wednesday afternoon, providing an oasis for those offering - and seeking - hope, mental health resources and connection.

Just a few weeks ahead of finals and the end of the academic year, "Hope Connects Us: Day of Hope," hosted by UCLA Student Affairs, brought Bruins together with campus and community partners dedicated to student care, wellness and suicide prevention awareness in a welcoming, approachable environment. Students explored resources, connected with support services and case workers, and participated in activities designed to foster self-care, reflection, belonging and community.

Throughout the afternoon, students stopped to pet therapy dogs, make crafts, enjoy massages and ice cream, practice yoga and pick up giveaways - small moments of connection and care woven into a larger effort to support student well-being during a demanding time of year.

The event also reflected UCLA's growing emphasis on strengthening a campus culture rooted in care, compassion and belonging.

How hope connects us: Building a culture of care across campus

"Day of Hope" builds on UCLA's broader Hope Connects Us campaign to strengthen alignment around student mental health services, expand prevention and early support efforts, ensure the best care for those in acute crisis, and deepen UCLA's culture of connection and its commitment to helping students thrive.

The initiative was formally launched in March when campus leaders, clinicians, faculty, staff and students met to discuss the ongoing mental health challenges facing college campuses and ways UCLA can respond with greater coordination, compassion and support.

"Mental health is inseparable from connection," Chancellor Julio Frenk said at the time. "When we strengthen the ties that bind us, we reinforce the conditions that enable students to thrive."

Wednesday's gathering carried that message directly to students, transforming Dickson Court South into a visible reminder that support, community and hope are always within reach.