Hope Lives Here: Supporting Student Mental Health with Annual Suicide-Prevention Events and a Daily Presence Monday, March 16, 2026
Participants in the 2025 Out of the Darkness Walk pose in Village Park, where the walk begins and ends.
"Struggling doesn’t mean you’re failing; it means you’re human. Everyone has moments where things feel overwhelming, and you don’t have to handle those moments alone. Reaching out for support is a strong and courageous step."
March might be the month that Point Park University shines a spotlight on suicide prevention with special events to raise awareness and offer resources, but the University Counseling Center (UCC) staff stand ready all year to help students one-on-one.
On Wednesday, March 18, at 11:45 a.m., a speaker from the American Foundation for the Prevention of Suicide (AFSP) will present "Talk Saves Lives" over lunch, giving attendees resources to help others. Lunch is free, but an RSVP is required.
On Thursday, March 26, Point Park will host its third annual Out of the Darkness Walk to raise awareness and funds for the AFSP. The first event of the day is a free yoga session at 3 p.m. in Boulevard Apartments. Walk registration, tabling and therapy dogs will be in Village Park beginning at 3:30 p.m. The walk kicks off at 5 p.m.
While these events occur annually, support for Point Park students' mental health is a day-in-and-day-out concern for the UCC. Located on the 5th floor of Lawrence Hall, the UCC offers a mix of in-person and virtual counseling sessions, as well as workshops and events, such as mindfulness sessions and therapy dog visits.
Learn more about the caring staff members whom you will meet if you seek help at the UCC.
Cassandra Moffat, Psy.D., Director
What is your role in the UCC?
As the director, I wear a lot of different hats. I help oversee our counseling services, support and supervise our amazing counseling staff and trainees, and work on campus programs that promote student mental health and wellbeing. I also meet with students for counseling sessions, collaborate with faculty and staff, and spend a lot of time thinking about creative ways we can make mental health support more visible and accessible across campus.
Why do you enjoy working with Point Park students?
College is a time of tremendous growth, exploration and transition, and it is incredibly meaningful to support students during that process. Our students are thoughtful, creative and resilient, even when they are navigating difficult moments. I enjoy walking alongside them as they develop insight, build coping skills and discover their strengths. It is inspiring to watch students grow in confidence and find their own paths.
What message of hope do you have for those who are struggling?
Struggling doesn’t mean you’re failing; it means you’re human. Everyone has moments where things feel overwhelming, and you don’t have to handle those moments alone. Reaching out for support is a strong and courageous step. Even when things feel really heavy, small steps and small conversations can lead to meaningful change, and there are people here who truly want to support you.
Laura Hoffman, M.A., Staff Clinician
What is your role in the UCC?
As a staff clinician, my main focus is on providing individual therapy to Point Park students. However, I also get to engage with the student body by collaborating with other UCC staff to create events that will benefit and educate our students (or just bring a little fun to their days, like our Mindfulness Monday events), developing and providing mental health trainings, and creating psychoeducational social media (on our webpage and Instagram). Over the past couple of years, I’ve represented the UCC at new student orientation, a role I’ve treasured because it gives me the chance to help students feel more comfortable and confident about reaching out when they need help.
Why do you enjoy working with Point Park students?
Our students at Point Park are so special. College can be a time of significant transition, and for many students, that transition can be both exciting and daunting. Having a guide or just a walking partner for the road ahead can make such a big difference, and that’s what I get to do through therapy with our students. I so enjoy being part of the process as they grasp the truth that hope is real and that they truly matter.
What message of hope can you give those who are struggling?
For someone who is struggling, I would remind them that they matter, that their story is still unfolding, and that they don’t have to go it alone. Struggling does not mean you’ve failed, that you’re broken or that there is something wrong with you. Struggling gives us a chance to grow and a chance to heal, and more often than not, there is beauty, meaning and new life on the other side of struggling. As our fellow Yinzer, Mr. Fred Rogers, has said, “Your emotions are meaningful and manageable." Asking for help can add depth, perspective and empowering partnerships to our life experience. You are worthy of support and destined for great things.
Ross Oliver, Administrative Assistant
