Celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month 2024
During Mental Health Awareness Month each May, individuals and organizations share experiences and encourage advocacy to help remove stigmas and expand resources for those affected by mental illness. The Northwestern Alumni Association (NAA) is proud to support these efforts by highlighting Northwestern alumni whose contributions to mental health awareness are valuable not only to our University, but the broader community as well.
The Power (and Discomfort) of Authenticity
This year, our spotlight is on Rajesh “Raj” Babu ’03, ’09 MBA. During the NU Live event at Homecoming and Reunion Weekend in 2023, Babu, who currently serves on the Northwestern Alumni Association Board of Directors, shared his unexpected journey from being someone who did all the “right” things to one who bucked expectations, found career success, overcame tragedy, and became a mental health advocate.
Play the video to learn more about moments in his life—including an interview with a Northwestern student—that led him to lean into discomfort and find his passion through authenticity.
Morsch-Babu Student Mental Health Fund
Laura Morsch-Babu ’05 and Rajesh Babu ’03, ’09 MBA established the Morsch-Babu Student Mental Health Fund at Northwestern to help cover therapy visits, mental health co-pays, behavioral health medications, and related wellness costs for students in need.
Make a Gift to the FundWhat Is Wellness Anyway? Practical First Steps for Navigating Your Mental Health Journey
In this webinar, Nattalie Wolff-Tseng ’21 MA and Isabella Herrera ’21 MA of Elevated Healthcare discuss first steps for getting the mental health care you deserve. Gain insights into practicing preventative care for stress and anxiety, knowing when to seek therapy, and identifying next steps for seeking professional guidance.
Learn MoreSports and Society Podcast with Julie Kliegman
Northwestern Intersections spoke with Julie Kliegman ’13, sportswriter and copy chief at Sports Illustrated, whose work in journalism often focuses on underrepresented topics in sports and society, including gender, asexuality, and mental health. She shares valuable lessons on working as a sports journalist and finding stories that matter. Join us as we discuss her important work and her new book, Mind Games: An Inside Look at the Mental Health Playbook of Elite Athletes.
Play the EpisodeBuilding Healthier Communities Podcast with Grace Hong Duffin
This Northwestern Intersections interview features Grace Hong Duffin ’95, the president and CEO of Kenneth Young Center, a community health organization in the Chicago suburbs. With experience in public policy, law, and human services, she serves on the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. Learn about her work with mental and physical wellness and her role on the Northwestern University Asian and Asian American Alumni Association (NU-A5) board.
Play the EpisodeEXPLORE MORE PODCAST EPISODES