Southern Connecticut State University is making waves — literally — in a revived campaign to raise awareness about mental health. The university recently joined the Speak Your Mind Ice Bucket Challenge, a nationwide movement aimed at breaking the stigma surrounding mental health on college campuses.
In a conversation with Dr. Nick Pinkerton, associate dean of counseling services and wellbeing, the new form of the Ice Bucket Challenge emphasizes a growing willingness to talk about mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and loneliness among students. “Underneath the stress and anxiety, many students are struggling with loneliness,” Pinkerton explained during a recent WTNH News 8 segment.
Southern’s mascot, Otus the Owl, took the plunge on social media, challenging the University of New Haven, UConn, and Quinnipiac to do the same — a call that sparked a wave of participation from fellow institutions and local leaders.
The campaign, which began at the University of Southern California, encourages both dialogue and action through bold, shareable moments. To learn more about the challenge or donate to support mental health programs, visit: support.activeminds.org.
