Pictured above, students line luminaries around the Freed Hardeman commons on September 21 2026, in honor of “One More Light.” Photo by Hannah Welch, Chester County Independent
On September 21, 2026, Freed Hardeman University hosted the event “One More Light,” a participatory event honoring and remembering those who have either lost loved ones to suicide or have died by suicide. The Freed Hardeman choral group performed and tables were set up for students to visit. These tables contained stress-relieving activities such as coloring and homemade stress balls, as well as tables with information and items supporting suicide awareness. Finally, the last table in the commons allowed students to create their own luminaries, writing encouraging notes and/or messages on them. The luminaries were placed in a ring spanning the entire width of the quad and were later sent up into the sky. Freed Hardeman’s willingness to host said event brought awareness to the struggles of suicide and depression, providing a place for students to participate and subsequently learn more about this topic.
