Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Muskegon Community College (MCC) invites students, faculty, staff, and community members to join “Branches of Love: A Month of Remembrance & Healing”, a series of events throughout September dedicated to honoring lives lost to suicide and fostering reflection, connection, and hope.

The month kicks off on September 10, 2025, with Paint Rocks & Walk for Hope from 12:15 pm to 1:15 pm in MCC’s Blue & Gold Room, in MCC’s Main Building, where participants can paint meaningful stones and enjoy a nature walk together.

On September 17, 2025, the Make a Bookmark event (11:45 am – 12:30 pm, Blue & Gold Room) encourages attendees to bring a small photo of a loved one and create a commemorative bookmark.

Memory Tree & Pet Portraits with Erin Hoffman will take place on September 25, 2025, from 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm in the Art & Music Building (1249), offering an opportunity to hang messages in memory of loved ones and create pet portraits.

In addition, during the month of September, MCC’s “Branches of Love” memorial tree will be on display in the Student Lounge of the Art & Music Building. Visitors are invited to hang a heart bearing a name, message, or memory in remembrance of someone lost to suicide.

“Muskegon Community College is deeply committed to our students’ mental health,” said MCC Counseling and Advising Department Faculty and Counselor Trefny Chelesvig.  “Every day, my fellow counselors and I witness firsthand how many students are struggling with feelings of isolation and overwhelming thoughts. We want our community to know that they are never alone—MCC is here to listen, to connect them with resources, and to walk alongside them toward healing and recovery.”

The series concludes with a Candlelight Vigil on September 30, 2025, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm in the Art & Music Building Student Lounge, guided by Suicide Prevention Facilitator Scott Teichmer.

All events are free and open to the public.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or has suicidal thoughts, dial or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential support 24/7 or contact the Michigan Crisis and Access Line (MiCAL) at 1-844-446-4225 for support and resources.