Club promotes mental health on campus

By Seraphina Dumitrescu

Dr. Jerrica Pitzen, assistant professor of clinical psychology and director of the clinical psychology master's program, discusses RCU's National Alliance on Mental Illness Club, in which she advises.

What is the purpose of the National Alliance on Mental Illness Club?

RCU students at a meeting of the National Alliance on Mental Illness Club.

"As stated in our constitution, NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. NAMI advocates for access to services, treatment, support and research. Additionally, NAMI  is steadfast in its commitment to raising awareness and building a community of hope for all those in need. Rochester Christian University shall endeavor to sponsor, conduct programs and activities. All in the effort to further the purposes and objectives of NAMI. We shall use our best efforts to ensure that such programs and activities are consistent with NAMI’s stated values and mission. Overall, we are proud to be the only registered NAMI On Campus College club in the state of Michigan!"

What goals does the club aim to achieve?

"NAMI-RCU aims to promote mental health on campus through various activities, including hosting guest speakers and self-care events. We also want to educate students, faculty and others on campus about the importance of mental health for college students. One in three college students has experienced a mental health condition, so we strive to advocate for mental health resources on campus. Specifically, we educate students about existing resources, such as the RCU Psychology and Counseling Clinic, which provides free mental health care to all registered students."

When was the club founded? 

"The club is relatively new, as we were founded in July 2025. We are excited to enter our second semester with more students attending our events and considering joining as a member! NAMI accomplished a lot last semester: we hosted a mental health walk, a guest speaker for Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, a candelight vigil for the International Day of Survivors of Suicide, and a Christmas party where students decorated cookies and ornaments."

When and where will the club meet next? 

Our next meeting is on Friday, Feb. 6, from 11 a.m. to noon in the Student Center. We host regular monthly meetings in the Student Center on the first Friday of every month at that time. 

Approximately how many students are currently involved and is the club open to all students?

"We have a total of 12 student members, including our amazing student officers who come up with ideas for events, manage our Instagram page, create our flyers and chapel announcements. Plus, all RCU undergraduate or graduate students can join!"

Who are the student leaders of the club? 

• Our President is Kendall Cabot, a third-year psychology major.

• Our Vice-President is Kennedy McMahon, a fourth-year psychology major.

• Our Treasurer is Dean Aune, a fourth-year accounting and digital marketing major.

• Our Secretary is Noah Nelson, a fourth-year psychology major.

• Our Graduate Representative is Israel Henson, a first-year master's student in Clinical Psychology.

What activities or events are planned for the semester? 

We will meet soon to discuss more spring events. Make sure to check the chapel or the Warrior Hub app for upcoming events!

Who should students contact if interested in joining NAMI?

Students can contact the faculty advisor, Dr. Pitzen, or any of our student officers. They can also complete this form to let us know that they're interested!