Suicide Memorial Exhibit to Visit West Virginia University

  West Virginia University will host a traveling exhibit of 1,100 empty backpacks to represent the number of college students who die of suicide each year.

A news release from the university said the free exhibit will be Tuesday in front of Woodburn Hall from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Clinical director T. Anne Hawkins of the Carruth Center for Psychological and Psychiatric Services says it’s hoped the exhibit will raise awareness of services available on campus and offer a place to reflect for people affected by suicide. Staff from the center will be available to provide support during the event.

The exhibit, called “Send Silence Packing,” was first unveiled in 2008 on the National Mall in Washington.