April 12, 2012 | Peter Morenus - UConn Communications

Send Silence Packing

Eleven hundred backpacks, representing the number of U.S. college students who die by suicide each year, were on display April 12 on the Babbidge Library Plaza.

David Vidaurre '14 (CLAS) looks at a note attached to one of 1,100 backpacks, representing the number of college students who die by suicide each year cover the Homer Babbidge Library Plaza on April 12, 2012. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)

David Vidaurre '14 (CLAS) looks at a note attached to one of 1,100 backpacks, representing the number of college students who die by suicide each year cover the Homer Babbidge Library Plaza on April 12, 2012. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)

David Vidaurre '14 (CLAS) looks at a note attached to one of 1,100 backpacks, representing the number of college students who die by suicide each year. The traveling display of backpacks was part of an event called 'Send Silence Packing,' sponsored by the UConn Suicide Prevention Committee and Active Minds. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)
David Vidaurre ’14 (CLAS) looks at a note attached to one of 1,100 backpacks, representing the number of college students who die by suicide each year. The traveling display of backpacks was part of an event called ‘Send Silence Packing,’ sponsored by the UConn Suicide Prevention Committee and Active Minds. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)
A pair of students outside the Homer Babbidge Library view the 1,100 backpacks, many of which were accompanied by personal stories of those lost to suicide. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)
A pair of students outside the Homer Babbidge Library view the 1,100 backpacks, many of which were accompanied by personal stories of those lost to suicide. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)
The display of 1,100 empty backpacks, representing the number of college students who die by suicide each year, is intended to raise awareness that suicide is the number two killer of U.S. college students. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)
The display of 1,100 empty backpacks, representing the number of college students who die by suicide each year, is intended to raise awareness that suicide is the number two killer of U.S. college students. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)
A poster hanging outside the Homer Babbidge Library draws attention to the widespread effects of suicide on family and friends who have lost a loved one. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)
A poster hanging outside the Homer Babbidge Library draws attention to the widespread effects of suicide on family and friends who have lost a loved one. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)