Boise State University

05/13/2026 | News release | Distributed by Public on 05/13/2026 14:06

Social work student transforms personal loss into community action

This article contains references to suicide and may be distressing to some readers. If you are currently experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, please contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.

Lorraine Draper graduated with her bachelor's degree in social work in May 2026 and will start her Master of Social Work program in June.

While grieving a friend lost to suicide, Lorraine Draper realized there were gaps in the resources available - both for those struggling with mental health challenges and survivors needing support. As a student majoring in social work, she decided to use her personal experience and the skills developed through her coursework to do something about it. The result of her action is Light the Night for Hope, an event dedicated to suicide prevention, mental health awareness and community connection, which took place on the evening of April 29, 2026, in the Westmark Student Union Building's Jordan Ballroom.

"Light the Night for Hope is at the intersection of education and community leadership," Draper said. "It's about bringing the community together and sharing resources to make sure individuals leave the event educated, empowered and connected to each other."

Light the Night Idaho board members Savannah Smith, a social work student set to graduate in May 2027, and Jacob Ballard, 2025 and 2026 social work graduate, man the new non-profit's table during the Light the Night for Hope Resource Fair.

Attendees and sponsors of the event raised almost $20,000 to benefit the Idaho Foundation for Suicide Prevention which provides education, crisis-support initiatives and community programming to support statewide suicide-prevention efforts.
The event featured students, mental-health professionals, community partners and advocates to inspire hope, reduce stigma and support lifesaving work across Idaho with a keynote address and an expert panel discussion. A resource fair brought together more than 30 community and campus organizations working in suicide prevention and supporting mental health.

"In my social work classes we're trained to look at issues from micro, mezzo (community) and macro levels," Draper said. "This event touches all three - individuals will leave knowing where to turn for support, the community is stronger through organization and by providing a supportive environment, and at the macro level we aim to address stigma and look at systemic gaps and policy awareness."

"It has been amazing to work with Lorraine as she plans and organizes this event," said Ray Mullenax, faculty advisor for the Organization of Student Social Workers. "By pulling together resources within the Boise State campus community and outside of Boise State, she's created a great opportunity to educate attendees about suicide awareness."

Draper hopes to hold the event annually and has started a nonprofit to organize this, and other events in the community. She earned her bachelor's degree in social work in May 2026 and will pursue her Master of Social Work degree at Boise State beginning in summer of 2026.

Heather Witt, an associate professor in the School of Social Work commended Draper for her thoughtfulness and intention in planning the event.

"Lorraine embodies social work values, especially those of service, dignity and worth of the person, and integrity, in all that she does," Witt said. "She came to our program already living our profession's values, and this event is only a single example of that."

Boise State University published this content on May 13, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on May 13, 2026 at 20:06 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]