Quincy University kicked off a week-long celebration of mental health awareness with a presentation from Kevin Hines. 

On May 1, 2025, mental health advocate and suicide attempt survivor Kevin Hines visited QU. He told his story to the students and faculty in attendance. 

“The Ripple Effect” was the name of Hines’ presentation. It is inspired by his storied past and the moment that changed his life forever, his suicide attempt off the Golden Gate Bridge 24 years ago.

Since that moment, he has become a nationally recognized mental health speaker. He has built a following of over 100,000 on social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. He is the author of the book Cracked, Not Broken. He is the subject of the documentary, Suicide: The Ripple Effect. He is also the founder of the Kevin & Margaret Hines Foundation. 

At 6 p.m. in Pepsi Arena, students and members of the QU community packed the stands. They were eager to hear what Hines had to say. The entire gym was engaged, and everyone participated in the interactive portions of his speech. He provided his background as a foster kid, the power of expressing your feelings, and some motivating words.

Hines told the audience to never suppress their pain and that their mental struggles do not define them. He also told them to “Be here tomorrow”, which is one of his mottos that he lives by. The crowd had the biggest reaction when he walked them through the day of when he jumped off the bridge. 

When Hines was done, the crowd gave him a standing ovation. Some students even stayed longer to ask him questions about his journey. Hines shared his thoughts on mental health and what it means to him. 

“Mental Health is my ethos. Letting people know that their voices matter, their stories matter, and that they are important is my journey,” Hines said. 

Students in attendance were moved by Hines’ story. Thomas Murray Jr., a sophomore at QU, was in attendance and spoke on what touched him the most. 

“It feels nice to know you are not alone in the fight with yourself, that is what meant the most to me,” Murray Jr., said. 

May is mental health awareness month. QU’s NAMI club is celebrating with a series of events from May 1 to May 11. This celebration is called Wellness Week. This was the first event, but there are many more. 90s-themed yoga, movie night, and multiple arts and crafts activities are scheduled throughout the week in an attempt to raise mental health awareness, self-care, and break the stigma.

Students are fans of Wellness Week, as it grows awareness of stress and depression on college campuses. Quincy University is a supporter of mental health, and it shows in this response to student wellness needs. 

Vivian Gaither is a sophomore at QU and the vice president of the NAMI club on campus. She shared her gratitude for the event and the upcoming wellness week.

“Finals are such a stressful time, so having events that prioritize mental health a week before finals was the goal. Just trying to help,” Gaither said. 

Hines’ message of resilience and the power of asking for help resonated across campus. His visit set the tone for the rest of QU’s wellness week, which continues with events. For many in the audience, it was a reminder that even in moments of darkness, there is always a reason to hold on.