The School of Social Work is hosting a walk to raise money for Stop Soldier Suicide, a nonprofit trying to solve the issue of suicide among U.S. veterans and service members.
File photo / The Shorthorn staff
The School of Social Work is hosting “RUCK with US” from 8:15 to 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, outside the social work building.
Nelda Lawson, assistant director for academic operations and business services, said the walk is to raise money for Stop Soldier Suicide and promote physical well-being.
Stop Soldier Suicide is a national nonprofit focused on solving the issue of suicide among U.S. veterans and service members, according to its website.
According to the website, about 6,000 veterans and service members die by suicide every year.
The event is the first in a line of walking-based events, with the goal of walking 100 collective miles and raising $1,000 for charity.
As of Monday night, UTA has raised $50 and walked nine miles for Stop Soldier Suicide.
Participants are encouraged to wear a weighted vest or backpack as they walk a mile around the building. The act is known as rucking.
Lawson said the physical health and veteran resource aspects of the event align with the school’s missions and programs.
In 2023, UTA was ranked the No.1 most veteran friendly social work bachelor’s degree in Texas, according to College Factual, a website that helps match students to colleges.
Earlier this year, UTA was also named a top yellow ribbon school by U.S. Veterans Magazine. The yellow ribbon is a national recognition of a school’s dedication to military veterans and their families.
Lawson encourages people to go out, donate and connect with other participants.
“It’s good to connect or just let people pair up and talk,” she said. “It’s about just being open in the outside and just taking in the air and just clearing our minds, and just enjoying the day as we go.”