The University of Texas at San Antonio’s main gate on Thursday night was lit up purple to raise awareness for suicide prevention. Credit: X / @UTSA

The University of Texas at San Antonio canceled all classes Friday to raise awareness for suicide awareness and prevention, Chief Communication Officer Joe Izbrand confirmed to the Current.

The decision comes after the apparent suicide of a 33-year-old doctoral student on Wednesday, who died at a parking garage on campus.

“We know there is a lot of stress and concern for many of you right now,” UTSA said in a statement posted on social media platform X. “Come to campus, lean into our resources and get connected. Let’s pause, reflect and care for one another.”

UTSA also illuminated its main gate with purple lights Thursday night to raise awareness for suicide prevention.

In light of the student’s death — UTSA’s second suspected suicide since May — the school is offering an array of counseling services on Friday.

Those include counseling sessions at Wellness 360 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., a suicide prevention intervention program at the Wellbeing Meeting Room between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and therapy animals at Campus Recreation from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Mental health screening, a mindful coloring program, a graduate student reflection program and athletic programming will also be going on during UTSA’s day of reflection.

Students can check out all of Friday’s offerings by visiting UTSA’s website.

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This article appears in Oct 30 – Nov 5, 2024.

Michael Karlis is a multimedia journalist at the San Antonio Current, whose coverage in print and on social media focuses on local and state politics. He is a graduate of American University in Washington,...