Assumption to Host I Am More Exhibition on Mental Health

The University’s Counseling Center, in collaboration with the Assumption chapter of Active Minds, will host an exhibition, I Am More: Facing Stigma, to develop mental health literacy, remove the stigma and reshape attitudes about mental health in the Emmanuel d’Alzon Library beginning November 1, with an opening ceremony scheduled that evening for 5 p.m.

Individuals from outside of the campus community who wish to attend the opening must register here. All guests must be fully vaccinated and wear a mask while indoors. 

“The University is proud to host this transformative exhibit to help foster a greater understanding and acceptance of those who courageously adapt to living with mental health challenges,” said Piwko.

The I Am More exhibit was developed by the Yellow Tulip Project (YTP) a mental health advocacy organization headquartered in Portland, Maine, and has been on semi-permanent display at Logan Airport in Boston, Massachusetts.  Anna Mullen, ’23, has led the student-driven effort to bring I Am More to Assumption and has held the positions of Director of Social Media and Co-Director of the Youth Board at YTP. Professor Paul Piwko, a professor in the Grenon School of Business, who researches mental health exhibitions and is co-developer of the National Museum of Mental Health Project Inc., advised the effort to bring I Am More to campus. 

The opening ceremony will feature University President Francesco C. Cesareo, Ph.D., Suzanne Fox of YTP, Anna Mullen, ’23, and Christine Lowthert, the Director of Athletics at Assumption. The University’s Student Government Association, Office of Student Activities & Student Affairs, and Library have also been instrumental in this effort.

In May 2021, Forbes published a story about Fox and her daughter, profiling both as women social entrepreneurs for founding YTP. The Yellow Tulip Project describes its purpose as being “to smash stigma associated with mental illness and to build community to remind people that there is help and hope for those living with mental illness.” Fox will also speak to one of Prof. Piwko’s accounting classes, who will begin a month-long project relative to nonprofit organizations and social entrepreneurship.