Our History

 

Student Jack Reidy (LA' 14) had noticed a general lack of discussion and extreme stigma surrounding mental issues and believed in the importance of bringing an important topic like mental health to the forefront of the student discussion. Thus, Jack started Active Minds at Wash.U. in the Spring of 2011. 

 

By the Fall of 2011, Active Minds at Wash.U. had gained Student Union recognition and gained two advisors from Student Health Service: Director of Mental Health, Thomas Bronk, PhD, and the Director of Health and Wellness Promoton, Melissa Ruwitch. In it's infancy, Active Minds at Washu met on weekends around the couches of Peter, The Great Fireplace in Tisch Commons. The group consisted of Jack, Sukrit Singh (LA '14), Leah Sommerville (EN '14), Spencer Cole (BA '14), Caitlin Gilespe (LA '13), Dalton Guthrie (BA '14), and Abhishek Saxena (LA '15). 

 

In the Spring of 2012, Jack decided that in the interest of the group he would be stepping down as President. In turn, Dalton and Abhishek decide to take on the challange of leading the group as co-presidents. That following year (2012-2013),