As seen in the Fall issue of DU Review magazine. 

Words matter. For Davenport University alumna Vonnie Woodrick, ’84, this simple truth has become her life’s calling. Woodrick, who is a dedicated member of the Alumni Board of Directors at DU, has spent years advocating for mental health awareness. Her deeply personal mission was born from tragedy. Her goal is to change the language around how people talk about and deal with mental illness, depression and despair.

When Woodrick graduated from Davenport with her associate degree, she never envisioned herself becoming a national advocate. But in 2003, her husband, Rob, died of depression. Navigating her own profound grief while raising three young children, Woodrick frequently encountered painful, clinical or highly stigmatized language surrounding her husband’s passing. The standard phrasing “committed suicide” carried a heavy, historically criminal connotation that didn’t reflect the reality of his struggle.

“Somebody said to me, ‘Mental illness is an illness just like any other. Can’t that be terminal?ʼ” Woodrick said. “That stuck with me for so long.”

Determined to change the narrative, Woodrick founded i understand, a nonprofit organization created to support those affected by mental illness and suicide. Her primary objective is to treat the brain like any other organ in the body. Today, when she speaks of Rob, she says simply and honestly, “He died of depression.”

Even though we recognized World Mental Health Day on October 10, Davenport’s campus culture remains deeply focused on its students’ holistic well-being every day of the year. With guidance from supporters like Woodrick, Davenport became one of the first universities to implement the Blue Envelope Program in partnership with Corewell Health.

The Blue Envelope Program is a standardized crisis response protocol designed to support students experiencing behavioral health issues or expressing thoughts of suicide. For Woodrick, seeing her alma mater championing the cause she has dedicated her life to is incredibly moving.

“Sometimes I just feel so humbled,” Woodrick said. “To have that respect for somebody’s mental health and that backup is huge. I applaud Davenport for being on the upper curve of bringing these resources to campus.”

To expand this vital conversation, Woodrick celebrated the 23^rd anniversary edition and republication of her children’s book, Marshmallow Clouds, in September. Remarkably, Woodrick had actually written the book before Rob passed away. At the time, she penned the story about her young son, Chase, falling asleep in the yard and dreaming that he and his father had climbed a ladder to play together up in the clouds. Following Rob’s tragic passing, the book took on a profound new significance, serving as a gentle, comforting tool for families to talk about love, loss and the people we carry with us.

The updated anniversary edition honors that original story while introducing new family activities and conversation prompts designed to encourage early discussions around remembrance, healing and hope. The republication was celebrated with a special appreciation gathering and book signing in September, bringing together supporters, volunteers and family to honor Rob’s legacy and the ongoing mission of i understand.

Through her work with the nonprofit, Woodrick continues to foster powerful connections. Among them is her relationship with national ABC meteorologist Ginger Zee, who serves on the i understand honorary board. Zee and Woodrick share a striking, parallel history: on November 4, 2003, Zee walked out of Corewell Health in Grand Rapids following a suicide attempt; on November 8, Woodrick walked into that same hospital where her husband passed away. Years later, their shared stories cemented a lifelong bond of advocacy.

Through her books, support groups and work on Davenport’s Alumni Board, Woodrick continues to teach others that talking saves lives. Today, her three children are successfully navigating their own mental health journeys, raised in a household where vulnerability is encouraged.

As Davenport continues to expand its mental health resources, Woodrick’s presence on the Alumni Board serves as a constant reminder of the power of empathy, education and open dialogue.

“Everyone has a story and needs to have a voice,” Woodrick said. “If my story and my voice can support anybody in the Davenport, I feel so honored.”