UAlbany to Host 15th Annual 'Out of the Darkness' Walk April 12

By Amy Geduldig 

ALBANY, N.Y. (April 8, 2025) — The University at Albany will host its 15th annual "Out of the Darkness" walk on Saturday, April 12, at the Uptown Campus Entry Plaza. Coordinated by UAlbany’s Office of Health Promotion (OHP), the event begins at noon and promotes mental health among children and young adults to reduce the stigma around seeking treatment.  

Before the 1.5-mile walk through the campus begins at 1 p.m., UAlbany Provost Carol Kim and Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Michael Christakis will join attendees for pre-walk remarks. The annual sand pouring ceremony, which commemorates those impacted by suicide, will follow performed by the Capital Region branch of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention along with Albany community members.

The event will also include food, photo opportunities, crafts and music featuring a live performance by UAlbany’s marching band. Community organizations and student groups will begin tabling at noon.

“The 15th Annual Out of the Darkness Walk unites UAlbany and the broader community in support of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention,” said Emmanuel Nyarko, mental health promotion specialist at UAlbany. “We are excited to come together in community with partners on campus and throughout Albany in support of suicide prevention and those impacted by suicide. Each dollar raised reflects not just our work, but also the vision for our community that our University actively pursues. We invite you to join us in these efforts by attending our walk on April 12th and fundraising through June!”

The campus community has demonstrated strong support for the initiative over the years. Last year, the walk drew over 900 participants, making it the second largest campus walk in the nation. The event raised over $37,000 for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) — the fourth highest amount raised by any walk last year.  

The event serves as an opportunity to demonstrate support for those affected by suicide, sharing the experiences of inspiring speakers and highlighting resources including UAlbany’s Middle Earth Peer Assistance Program, which plays a major role in coordinating the annual event.  

Proceeds from UAlbany’s walk will go to support the Capital Region AFSP chapter, which leads critical work to promote mental health and prevent suicide in our community. Capital Region AFSP activities include delivering prevention programs, educating the public about risk factors and warning signs, raising funds for suicide research and programs, and supporting those who have lost someone to suicide.  

The “Out of the Darkness" campus walks — sponsored by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention — are held at universities and colleges across the country. Each year, hundreds of walks are organized in communities across the U.S. to show support, raise awareness and generate funds for local AFSP chapters.  

“The Out of the Darkness Walk is an event that our community has taken great pride in over the past 15 years,” said Natalie Sumski, health promotion specialist at UAlbany. “The event supports conversations around mental health and every conversation it starts makes it that much easier for someone to reach out for help. De-stigmatizing mental health is something we strive to do all year, and we are especially excited to come together to show that seeking help is a sign of strength and embraced in our community.”  

Registration for the walk is free, and all are encouraged to participate. Interested walkers can sign up as individuals, find an existing team to join or create a team on the walk registration page. Free parking will be available in the State Quad Commuter Parking Lot and day-of registrants are welcome. The walk will proceed rain or shine.  

Volunteers are also welcome to help with event set-up, on-site registration, day-of event activities and clean up. Those who assist with day-of tasks to support the event can receive up to five community service hours. Sign up on Engage UAlbany to register for community service hours. Contact OHP by email at ualbanyootd@albany.edu or by phone at 518-956-8477 if interested in volunteering at the event.