Beacon of Hope
Mental Health Champion Award

Oregon State University is dedicated to strengthening mental health and well-being by recognizing and celebrating efforts that help create a welcoming, safe, and supportive campus environment. The CAPS Beacon of Hope Mental Health Champion Award honors individuals and groups whose primary roles are not centered in mental health, yet who intentionally weave care, awareness, and advocacy into their everyday work or relationships. 

Each year, three Beacon of Hope Mental Health Champion Awards will be presented:

• One to a faculty/staff member or professional group.

• One to a student or student-led group.

• One Impact Award, selected by the Mental Health Initiative Awards Committee.

Pillars of the Award: Recipients typically demonstrate one or more of the following qualities, which also serve as award criteria:

• They go above and beyond to contribute to mental well-being.
• They contribute to shifting campus culture by reducing stigma around mental health.
• They help increase awareness of and access to mental health resources.
• Although their primary position is not centered around mental health, they have made meaningful contributions to mental health awareness, advocacy, or support.

Additional eligibility requirements:

• Faculty & Staff: All OSU–affiliated faculty, staff, and other professionals are eligible if they are employed at a minimum of 0.5 FTE or at least 20 hours per week.
• Students: All OSU students and student-led groups (clubs, non-profits organizations, campus departments, etc.), including undergraduates, graduates, post-docs, professional students, clubs, non-profit organizations, and campus departments are eligible if they are enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours at OSU.

Group, individual, and self-nominations are all welcome and nominations are encouraged from all OSU campuses and affiliated locations.

Important: Please do not nominate individuals or groups whose primary occupation is directly affiliated with mental health initiatives. This award is intended to recognize those who promote mental well-being outside of their formal professional responsibilities.

Nomination forms are open now through February 28, 2026. Please notify any potential nominees before submitting a nomination to ensure informed consent.

To be considered, nomination submissions must:

• Meet eligibility criteria listed in the section above.

• Include specific examples of tangible impact — interpersonal or large-scale (all levels of impact are valued).

• Be submitted by February 28, 2026.

All nominations will be thoughtfully and transparently reviewed by the selection committee. Nominations may be submitted by others or as self-nominations.

Nominators and nominees will be notified by March 13, 2026. The award will be presented during the Out of the Darkness Walk, held at the SEC Plaza on April 18, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Each award includes:

• An engraved crystal plaque.

• A $250 monetary award (to be shared among group recipients).

• A digital Beacon of Hope Mental Health Champion badge (as seen at the top of this webpage).

Award recipients will be recognized during the Out of the Darkness Walk and featured in a dedicated spotlight on the Beacon of Hope Award web page.

A transparent selection process is conducted by the Awards Committee, a sub-committee of the CAPS Mental Health Initiative.

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at Oregon State University is committed to fostering a campus culture rooted in understanding, care, respect, and mental well-being. If you are interested in joining this mission or learning how to get involved, we invite you to explore opportunities with CAPS. Learn about our student-led programs and volunteer opportunities. For additional information and queries, please email Tess Webster-Henry.