Concordia University Wisconsin sheds light on mental health awareness through a week-long event that occurs annually on campus.
From September 15-20, mental health awareness and suicide prevention week is open to all students. The week will consist of training and educational components to help engage you and equip you with the knowledge and tools to help yourself or others that may be struggling.
Mental illness affects millions of people each year. One in five U.S. adults experience a mental health disorder each year according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Approximately, 50 percent of all lifetime mental illnesses start by age 14, and 75 percent by age 24. In order to be proactive, consider checking out the schedule of events below.
What to expect for your week-long mental hiatus
Throughout the week, Concordia’s campus will be filled with powerful programming—designed to educate, empower, and encourage our community to care for themselves and one another. From workshops and keynote speakers to puppy yoga and self-care activities, there’s something for everyone. Here’s what you can expect.
Sunday, Sept. 14: (Bonus) Peace and presence
- 4 p.m. | Haven and Hammocks (table in the Chapel courtyard)
Rest in the Lord’s creation, surrounded by community. Students have the opportunity to win a free CUW branded hammock.
Monday, Sept. 15: Kicking off with education and connection
- 8–9 a.m. | QPR Training (Lakeshore Room)
- 9:30 a.m. | Chapel
- After chapel 10 a.m. | Coffee & donuts (outside of Chapel)
- 11 a.m.–Noon | QPR (Lakeshore)
- 1–3 p.m. | CIC Mental Health Fair (Lakeshore) | This event is for international students. It offers activities geared towards mindfulness and stress reduction such as rock painting and journaling.
- 3-4 p.m. | QPR (Lakeshore)
- 4-4:30 p.m. | Narcan Training with Dr. Mikaely Schmitz, associate professor, School of Health Professions (Lakeshore)
- 7 p.m. | Keynote Speaker: “The Silent Epidemic” with Coach Mark Potter, who shares his journey with mental health (Terrace Room)
Tuesday, Sept. 16: Equipping minds, empowering hearts
- 8–9 a.m. | QPR Training (Lakeshore)
- 9–9:30 a.m. | Narcan Training with Dr. Jordan Wulz, associate professor, School of Pharmacy (Lakeshore)
- 9:30 a.m. | Chapel
- 3–4 p.m. | Green Bandana Project Training (Lakeshore)
- 5-6 p.m. | QPR (Lakeshore)
- 7 p.m. | CAB: Paint a Pot (Albrecht Lounge)
Wednesday, Sept. 17: Recharge and respond
- 8–9 a.m. | QPR (Lakeshore)
- 9–9:30 a.m. | Narcan Training with Dr. Schmitz (Lakeshore)
- 9:30 a.m. | Chapel
- 1:30–2:30 p.m. | Keynote Speaker: “The Inside Scoop: What College Students Should Know About Mental Health”
with Dr. Heather M. Jones (Terrace) - 3–4 p.m. | QPR (Lakeshore)
- 4–4:30 p.m. | Narcan Training with Dr. Schmitz (Lakeshore)
- 3–5 p.m. | Mental Health Fair (Albrecht Hall) | Theme is “Courage to Begin. Strength to Continue.” Students can connect with local mental health and wellness resources to reduce stigma, foster resilience, and promote community care. The fair includes: interactive activities like making friendship bracelets and stress balls, painting plaques, creating inkblots, playing Pictionary, Bingo, calming exercises, and more. Students can participate in raffles and win prizes. Mental health screenings will be available.
- 5:30–7:30 p.m. | FOG: Pops & Play (Lawn games & popsicles at the volley ball courts)
Thursday, Sept. 18: Hope and help
- 8–9 a.m. | QPR (Lakeshore)
- 9–9:30 a.m. | Narcan Training with Dr. Wulz (Lakeshore)
- 9:30 a.m. | Chapel
- Noon-1 p.m. | QPR (Lakeshore)
- 3–4 p.m. | QPR (Lakeshore)
- 7–8:30 p.m. | “My Ascension” film screening and keynote (Terrace) | At 16 years old, varsity cheerleader Emma Benoit attempted to end her life. “My Ascension” is the story of the day that changed Emma’s life, and everything that’s happened since.
Friday, Sept. 19: Thriving together
- 8–9 a.m. | QPR (Lakeshore)
- 9–9:30 a.m. | Narcan Training with Dr. Schmitz (Lakeshore)
- 9:30 a.m. | Chapel
- 3:30 p.m. | Puppy Yoga by Doggy Noses & Yoga Poses (CCES)
- 6–8 p.m. | CAB: Stress Reliever Bingo (Albrecht Lounge)
Saturday, Sept. 20: A day of rest, recreation, and reflection
- 9 a.m.–5 p.m. | Devil’s Lake Wellness Trip
Enjoy hiking, swimming, and a peaceful picnic for just $10. Transportation provided. Sign up with CAB.
What is QPR training?
QPR stands for Question, Persuade, Refer—a proven method to help someone in crisis. Multiple QPR sessions are offered throughout the week to empower you to recognize signs of suicide and act with compassion.
What is Narcan training?
In just a short session, you can learn how to administer Narcan (naloxone), a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses effectively. By gaining this skill, you become equipped to respond swiftly and effectively in emergency situations involving opioid overdose, potentially saving a life in your community.
More on our Keynote Speakers
“The Silent Epidemic”
Mental Health Advocate
Monday, Sept. 15 | 7 p.m. | Terrace Room
“The Silent Epidemic” keynote session will provide the real, relevant, and raw story of Coach Mark Potter’s personal experience with severe depression and suicidal thoughts. As a 30-year head coaching veteran, Potter blends personal experience with professional insight to offer practical strategies for mental wellness, leadership, accountability, integrity, and teamwork. He emphasizes the importance of training the brain to navigate adversity—something he saw lacking in many young people entering college.
Through his engaging presentations, Potter equips employees, business owners, and executives with tools to reach their full potential and prioritize mental health. A highly decorated coach, he’s been named Coach of the Year five times, recognized among the top 15 most influential figures in Wichita sports, and inducted into multiple halls of fame. In 2013, Newman University honored him by naming its basketball court “The Potter Family Court.”
You can have victory over mental illness and he wants to share his experiences to help others by preparing you for what happens next.
- Knowing how to deal with pressure,, failure, or embarrassment
- Being able to document your negative thoughts
- Processing your controllable goals
“The Inside Scoop: What College Students Should Know About Mental Health”
Licensed psychologist, Rogers Behavioral Health
Wednesday, Sept. 17 | 1:30-2:30 p.m. | Terrace Room
Heather M. Jones, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist and the Vice President of Clinical Services at Rogers Behavioral Health. She first joined Rogers as an intern in 2011 and has since built a career spanning direct patient care, clinical supervision, and senior leadership roles in national organizations including Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation and Eating Recovery Center.
In her current role, Dr. Jones leads system-wide initiatives to improve access, strengthen workforce development, and enhance patient outcomes through evidence-based care. A passionate advocate for innovation in behavioral health, she has spearheaded the development of new care models, expanded outpatient services, and created training pipelines for the next generation of clinicians.
Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Jones is dedicated to mentoring others and helping leaders embrace change as an opportunity for growth. She encourages her teams and audiences alike to lean into the uncomfortable, stay curious, and create space for solutions.
She earned a doctoral degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. At home in Wisconsin, she and her husband are raising two daughters, and as a family they enjoy sports, outdoor activities, gardening, and cheering on the Green Bay Packers.
Why this week matters
Mental health struggles are real, but so is hope. At CUW, we are committed to nurturing a community where every student knows they are seen, supported, and loved in Christ. This week is just one way we live out our mission to serve with hearts of compassion and courage.
Mental Health Help
If you believe you are at risk or someone else is at risk, depending on the circumstances, you may want to contact one (or several) of the following:
- Emergency, dial 9-1-1
- Campus Safety, 262-243-4344
- Student Wellness Center, 262-243-2244, studentwellness@cuw.edu (Typical response time is 24 hours and urgent requests are prioritized.)
- Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, dial 9-8-8
- Prayer, Campus Pastor, 262-243-4532, jonathon.bakker@cuw.edu
- Faith Associates, a dedicated team of faith-filled students on campus that can offer support through one-on-one conversations, bible studies, devotions, and social programs, campus.ministry@cuw.edu.
Mental Health Support Card
Carry around a card with at least three phone numbers listed in case you need to speak to someone right away. Family, friends, therapist, pastor, etc. Make it small enough to put in a wallet or pocket. This is a great resource to have on hand in case of a mental health crisis.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” – Philippians 4:6