A group of Princeton alumni has come together to form a mental health council aimed at raising awareness and finding solutions for student mental health issues. This initiative follows several tragic student deaths, highlighting the urgent need for change.
Josh Weinstein, a 2009 graduate and former president of the Undergraduate Student Government, shared that many alumni are unaware of the severity of the issue. “The first step is raising awareness,” he said. During a recent reunion, he launched an awareness campaign featuring an LED billboard, t-shirts, and a website showcasing unsettling mental health statistics. Since 2022, four undergraduates, including Lauren Blackburn ’26, have tragically died by suicide.
Weinstein emphasized that while efforts are being made by student government and university services, there’s still a significant gap to fill. “We need to do much more,” he added.
Tiffanie Cheng Wu, a current student, is taking the lead in this initiative. She believes the intense competitive environment at Princeton contributes to students’ anxiety. “Mental health often takes a backseat to academic and social pressures,” Wu explained.
The newly formed council consists of alumni who genuinely care about current students. Wu aims to engage these alumni in meaningful conversations to create impactful solutions. “We want to gather feedback and brainstorm solutions together,” she noted.
The council’s first meeting took place on July 29th, where members outlined their mission and planned future collaborations with the USG’s Mental Health Committee. Wu expressed a desire to train students on how to recognize when they may need help and to reach out when necessary. “Engaging students is crucial,” she emphasized.
In a recent talk, Allen Nieva, the current USG mental health chair, mentioned that the committee is already reaching out to alumni to enhance resources available to undergraduates. He believes these connections could foster understanding and empathy since alumni have firsthand experience of being students at Princeton.
As Wu and Nieva work closely to expand support, they hope official plans will roll out by winter. “We aim to show students that mental health support is available and that there’s a strong interest in promoting it,” Nieva explained.
The ongoing dialogue about mental health is timely, especially as recent studies reveal that nearly 40% of college students report feeling overwhelming anxiety. Engaging alumni can provide a vital perspective and additional resources to help current students navigate their challenges.
By addressing mental health openly, the council aims to create a safer and more supportive environment for all Princeton students.
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