April Witteveen, library director at Oregon State University – Cascades, is this year’s faculty/staff recipient of the Beacon of Hope Mental Health Champion Award as well as the campus’s first-ever Beacon of Hope Impact Award for her work in supporting and advancing student mental health.
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April Witteveen at OSU-Cascades.
These awards recognize members of the OSU community whose primary roles are not centered in mental health, yet who intentionally integrate care, awareness and advocacy into their everyday work. Witteveen will be formally recognized at the Health Promoting University Data Walk at OSU-Cascades on Monday, June 1.
“April exemplifies this commitment through her leadership and daily interactions, consistently fostering an environment where students and colleagues feel seen, supported and valued,” said Brooke Martindale, student wellness specialist at Cascades. “Through both everyday acts of care and broader leadership efforts, April has helped cultivate a more inclusive, supportive and mentally healthy campus environment. Her recognition as the first Impact Award recipient sets a powerful precedent for honoring this work.”
Witteveen serves on the OSU-Cascades Mental Health Task Force and as president of the Staff Executive Council, where she has helped translate community feedback into meaningful, tangible improvements, Martindale said.
Within the library, she has introduced supportive tools including wobble stools, weighted lap pads and fidget resources to help students focus and feel more comfortable. She also works to ensure library collections reflect the diverse identities and experiences of OSU and Central Oregon communities, Martindale said.
At OSU-Cascades, the Beacon of Hope awards fall under Student Health and Wellness; at the Corvallis campus, the awards are given out by Counseling and Psychological Services.
The 2026 Corvallis recipients were announced in early April:
Student award: Jack McDonough, speech communications student, Dam Worth It co-president, Sigma Nu member. McDonough was selected for the Beacon of Hope Award in recognition of his meaningful and lasting impact on the community. As a Movember Ambassador, he raised over $1,500 for men’s mental health initiatives and helped lead his fraternity’s participation in the Out of the Darkness Campus Walk. Peers consistently describe him as a compassionate, reliable presence who is deeply committed to reducing stigma and supporting others.
Faculty award: Dr. Lilian Wong, clinical skills instructor in the Gary R. Carlson, MD, College of Veterinary Medicine. Wong has made a profound impact by integrating mental health and well-being into Veterinary Medicine education. By emphasizing self-care, modeling vulnerability, and incorporating guest speakers and supportive resources, she has cultivated a compassionate environment for students. Her efforts not only support students today but are shaping a lasting culture of well-being within the program, reflecting OSU’s commitment to a supportive and inclusive campus.
Impact award: Sara Trott, Valley Library equipment manager. As the CAPS Beacon of Hope Impact Award recipient, Sara has championed mental health beyond traditional roles. From co-developing the children’s picture book collection to introducing sensory and Mind Spa kits and expanding curated mental health resources, her work has grown into a meaningful bibilotherapy initiative that broadens access to well-being supports. Collaborative efforts across campus, including with CAPS, have fostered sustainable programs that continue to strengthen student wellbeing and leave a lasting impact.
The Corvallis recipients were recognized during the April 18 Out of the Darkness campus walk.
“Their work highlights the importance of collective responsibility in fostering a campus culture rooted in care, connection, and compassion,” the CAPS announcement said. “CAPS extends its sincere gratitude to this year’s awardees and nominees for their dedication to campus community well-being. Through their leadership, advocacy, and everyday acts of care, these individuals embody the spirit of the Beacon of Hope.”