Connection & Belonging: TU, HU, local schools unite for Mental Health Summit

In an era when smartphones, social media and digital distractions often replace face-to-face interaction, many students are finding it harder to build authentic relationships and a sense of belonging. Recognizing that connection is one of the strongest protective factors for mental health, Tiffin University and Heidelberg University are partnering to present the 2026 Mental Health Summit on Thursday, Sept. 10 – National Suicide Prevention Day.

The two universities will host a day of programming around the theme Connection and Belonging, bringing together college students and local high school students for education, conversation, and community-building, with the goal of promoting mental wellness and suicide prevention.

The day will begin at Tiffin University, where nationally recognized psychologist, author, and connection expert Dr. Marisa G. Franco will deliver the summit keynote from 12:30-2 p.m. in Heminger Center. Prior to the keynote, local high school students will participate in an evidence-based suicide prevention training led by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) before joining Tiffin University and Heidelberg University students for Franco's presentation.

The summit will conclude at Heidelberg's Frann's Fieldhouse with Dragon Princes: After Hours. Two Campuses. One Night. From 7-9 p.m., students from both campuses will gather for an interactive social event featuring inflatables, bingo, an ice cream truck, prizes and other activities designed to encourage conversation, friendship and community.

"The need for this work on college campuses remains significant," said Dr. Erin Jensen Skeel, LPCC-S, Director of Counseling and Wellness at Tiffin University.

"While recent national data show some encouraging improvements in student mental health, more than half of college students continue to report high levels of loneliness, alongside significant rates of anxiety and depression," Erin said. "At a time when loneliness and social isolation have been recognized as a national public health concern, creating opportunities for genuine connection and belonging is an important part of supporting the well-being of our students."

“We're proud to partner with Tiffin University to provide meaningful opportunities for students to build relationships, strengthen their sense of belonging, and understand that asking for help and supporting others are signs of strength” said Dr. Meagan McBride, Director of Heidelberg’s Master of Arts in Counseling Program. “Bringing our two campus communities together reinforces the message that no one has to navigate life's challenges alone."

"Heidelberg believes deeply in the power of people to make a difference in one another's lives," Meagan said. “Mental health awareness isn't just about responding when someone is in crisis. It's about creating a campus culture where every student feels seen, valued, and connected.

About the keynote speaker

A leading expert on human connection, TED speaker and New York Times bestselling author Dr. Marisa G. Franco helps individuals and organizations understand how meaningful relationships improve mental health and overall well-being. A psychologist, professor and nationally recognized connection expert, Dr. Franco has studied social connection through research funded by the National Institutes of Health and writes about relationships and belonging for Psychology Today.

Known for translating complex research into practical, actionable advice, Dr. Franco has delivered presentations for organizations including Lyft, Comcast, HarperCollins, the University of California, Berkeley, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Dr. Franco is the author of the New York Times bestseller Platonic: How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make — and Keep — Friends. Her forthcoming book, Worth: The New Science of Self-Esteem and Secure Attachment, will be released in September. She has been featured as an expert on human connection by The New York Times, The Telegraph, Vice, NPR and Good Morning America.

A graduate of New York University, she earned her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Maryland.