Marquette University to host 'Send Silence Packing' exhibit, aimed to end the silence that surrounds mental health and suicide, Sept. 24

Sept. 18, 2025

Marquette University to host 'Send Silence Packing' exhibit, aimed to end the silence that surrounds mental health and suicide, Sept. 24

MILWAUKEE - Marquette University will welcome Active Minds Send Silence Packing, an award-winning exhibit focused on ending the silence surrounding mental health and suicide, to campus on Wednesday, Sept. 24, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Westowne Square, located on the west side of the Alumni Memorial Union, 1442 W. Wisconsin Ave.

The all-day exhibit features personal stories from individuals who have lost a loved one to suicide and is designed to raise awareness about the impact of suicide, connect individuals to mental health resources, and inspire action for suicide prevention. People are invited to walk among the Send Silence Packing backpacks to view the photographs and read the stories attached to them. Many of the backpacks were donated by families who lost a loved one to suicide.

Emily Drenovsky, counselor and coordinator for mental health advocacy and outreach at the

Marquette University Counseling Center,says this exhibit is a reminder that resources exist and recovery is possible.

"I look forward to students taking away a message of hope that recovery is possible," Drenovsky said. "I hope that students can recognize that seeking help is a strength and that their voice matters in mental health advocacy."

Since its inaugural display on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., in 2008, Send Silence Packing has reached over a million visitors and counting with messages of hope and help. Evaluation data attests to the display's impact: most visitors leave wanting to learn more about mental health and the majority tell three or more people about the display and may reach out to a friend in need or seek help for themselves as a result of experiencing it.

Active Minds recently launched a companion exhibit designed to complement the in-person program:Send Silence Packing: Behind the Backpacks. This virtual, immersive experience gives users an in-depth look at the impact of suicide through personal stories, stigma reduction techniques and visual components such as videos, photos and audio. Visitors to Send Silence Packingwill have a chance to learn more about Behind the Backpacksand easily share this program with friends, family and their communities. It can be experienced both at the exhibit and at home.

"I founded Active Minds as a freshman in college following the death of my brother, Brian, by suicide in order to end the stigma around mental health. Stigma is shame, shame causes silence, and silence hurts us all," said Alison Malmon, founder and executive director of Active Minds. "Send Silence Packingis a highly visible way to combat that stigma, increase openness, and inspire action for suicide prevention. Thank you, Marquette University, for bringing the 2025 exhibit to your community to help continue to spread awareness and inspiring action around mental health and suicide prevention efforts."

Send Silence Packing: Behind the Backpacks was made possible by a generous donation from the RSM US Foundation.

More information about Send Silence Packing or Behind the Backpacks can be found at activeminds.org/ssp.

About Melissa Barclay

Melissa is the senior communication specialist in the Office of Marketing and Communication. Contact Melissa at (414) 288-6712 or [email protected].