Earlier this year Maynooth University partnered with the Elephant in the Room (EIR) Movement to create a bespoke Maynooth University Elephant. The elephant sculpture is now complete and has been painted by a professional artist with artwork based on submissions received from staff and students.
The sculpture will be unveiled on Wednesday November 27th at 10am in the TSI Foyer. All staff and students are warmly invited to attend this event which will feature speeches from our Maynooth University President Professor Eeva Leinonen and EIR founder Dave Southern.
The Elephant in the Room Movement is a transformative mental health awareness campaign. It challenges mental health stigma and promotes discussion and engagement. The purpose of the elephant art sculpture is to create the opportunity for more people to start a conversation about the stigmas that most affect them, to open up and talk about their, ‘Elephant in the Room’. This aligns with Maynooth University’s Strategic Plan which highlights the importance of culture and engagement, belonging and community. Furthermore, it commits to supporting the development of wellbeing. Maynooth University is committed to proactive work under the HEA National Student Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Framework and re-solidified its commitment to implementing the National Healthy Campus Framework with a formal signing of the Healthy Campus Charter in 2023.