Counseling Services partners with colleagues, departments, and student groups across campus to promote mental health and wellbeing. Our recurring events, campaigns, and outreach programming focus on destigmatizing the topic of mental health, encouraging self-care, and bringing awareness to some of the wellness issues our campus community faces.
Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM) is nationally recognized every May. The purpose of MHM is to raise awareness of the importance of mental health, provide educational opportunites and coping strategies to the campus community, and reduce the stigma that surrounds mental illnesses and help-seeking. Counseling Services invites and welcomes many campus partners to join us in programmatic efforts to promote mental health.
11:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Kick off the year right at the Graduate Student Welcome Lunch and Resource Fair! Come hang out with fellow new and returning grad students, explore the resource fair, and (best of all) enjoy some seriously delicious FREE food. You don’t want to miss it!
At the fair get connected with:
- UO Health Services
- Housing
- Student Funding
- Identity support groups
- Career Services
- Graduate student resources and more!
5:00–7:30 p.m.
Join the Student Activities Board, Arts & Culture team for BEseries dinner with Polly Irungu, Professional Photo Jounalist and UO Alumni. ASL Interpreted
For updates on WHO is coming 2025-26 - follow BEseries on IG @uo_beseries
Doors & Dinner: 5:00pm buffet dinner, EMU Ballroom
Presentation: 6pm-7:00pm followed by Q&A 7-7:30pm
For details and more info on how to reserve a free dinner table for a group or a seat for you: message the team @uo_beseries Instagram.
Full list of BE Series event dates:
- October 14, 2024
- November 25, 2024
- January 20, 2025
- February 24, 2025
- April 14, 2025
- May 19, 2025
Polly Irungu is a Kenyan-born, Washington, D.C.-based photographer, photo editor, and visionary founder of Black Women Photographers (BWP), a groundbreaking platform dedicated to amplifying the work of Black and African women creatives. With a deep-rooted passion for storytelling and advocacy, Polly has become a leading force in the creative community, using her platform to empower underrepresented voices in the visual industry.
Most recently, Polly served as the Official Photo Editor for Vice President Kamala Harris and as an Official Photographer in the Biden-Harris Administration. For nearly three years, she played a critical role in capturing and curating the visual narrative of the Office of the Vice President, documenting and editing historic moments. Currently, she serves as the Junior Photographer for the Office of Governor Wes Moore.
In 2020, Polly recognized the need for a dedicated space for photo editors, directors, producers, and others with hiring power to find talented Black women creatives. This led to the creation of Black Women Photographers (BWP), a global community and directory that now boasts over 2,100 members spanning more than 60 countries. BWP has grown into a dynamic network, providing its members with opportunities for mentorship, funding, and professional development. Through the platform, Polly has facilitated over $185,000 in financial grants and an additional $60K in new camera equipment, enabling many photographers to elevate their craft and establish sustainable careers.
Beyond her work as a photographer and community leader, Polly is a fierce advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the creative industry. She has become a sought-after speaker, regularly engaging in discussions on topics such as the creator economy, representation, the business of photography, and the importance of creating equitable opportunities for marginalized groups. Through her speaking engagements, workshops, and mentorship, Polly continues to inspire and uplift emerging photographers, helping to pave the way for a more inclusive and diverse future in visual storytelling.
Polly Irungu’s unique blend of creativity, leadership, and advocacy has cemented her as a trailblazer in the photography world. Her contributions continue to have a profound impact on the industry, fostering a more inclusive environment where the stories and perspectives of Black women creatives are seen, heard, and celebrated.
Social media: @pollyirungu on all platforms