FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Mark D.

Weinstein
September 19, 2014 Executive Director of Public Relations
937.766.8800 (o)
937.532.6885 (m)
@cedarvillenews

The Box Project
Cedarville, OH Cedarville Universitys student government association (SGA) recently took
action, leading Cedarville students, faculty and staff in a positive response to depression and suicide
through The Box Project. Students wrote notes or encouragement on anonymous cards and SGA then
sent them to students via their campus post office box number. This unique method of encouragement
was called The Box Project.
The Box Project took place during National Suicide Prevention Week, September 8-14, 2014. The Box
Project gave the Cedarville community opportunities to encourage those students who are currently
hiding depression, anxiety and thoughts of suicide without them having to tell anyone, said Alex
MacPhail-Fausey, the campus community director for Cedarvilles SGA.
MacPhail-Fauseys initial goal was to raise awareness of mental illness among the student body, but the
students took it even further than that. The outcome on campus was overwhelmingly positive, and
MacPhail-Fausey said he even received letters from alumni across the country. (how many letters were
officially taken and written?
The Box Project revealed that depression is a topic that needs to be addressed on a deeper level. This
project officially ended on Sept. 14, 2014, but SGA is hopeful that the encouragement among Cedarville
students will continue.

Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution
with an enrollment of 3,620 undergraduate, graduate, and online students in more than 100 areas of
study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community,
rigorous academic programs, strong graduation and retention rates, accredited professional and health
science offerings, and leading student satisfaction ratings.