About the Endowment
Lynn's
Story
Lynn attended the College of Charleston from 1989 to 1993, where She earned a Bachelor of Science in Education and went on to teach middle school before obtaining a Master of Education degree from The Citadel. Throughout her career, Lynn dedicated herself to guiding young people as a middle and high school Guidance Counselor. She also served as a Youth Leader within the United Methodist Church. Lynn married Scott Moody, a fellow College of Charleston graduate, and is the proud mother of Elizabeth and Marshall.
Lynn was passionate about many things in her life. First and foremost was her faith in Christ. Lynn’s faith was very strong and her love for Jesus grew greater and greater. She loved the United Methodist Church and served the church in many roles. Her second passion was her family. She was committed to her marriage as a loving and supportive wife. She was a loving mother whose kids meant everything to her. She used to always say don’t mess with “Mama bear’s cubs”.
Lynn lived with depression for many years, though her radiant smile and joyful laugh often concealed the depth of her struggles. In her final years, she also endured a debilitating and undiagnosed physical condition that compounded her suffering. In December 2019, Lynn died by suicide, leaving behind a legacy of love, resilience, and compassion.
Lynn’s family and friends created the endowment as a way to honor Lynn’s legacy of caring for others while advancing the College’s commitment to enhancing the mental and emotional well-being of its students.
Facts about Suicide in College Students
Hover over the elements below to learn more about the statistics.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for college students.
2nd
Approximately 24,000 college students attempt suicide each year.
;
24,000
1,100 college students do not survive their suicide attempt.
Excerpted from American Society for Suicide Prevention
1,100
You matter. If you need help, contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.
About the Lynn L. Moody Endowment
The Lynn L. Moody Endowment is a partnership with the College of Charleston dedicated to providing resources and training that strengthen student mental health and prevent suicide.
Through the Endowment, we support the College’s Office of Student Wellness & Well-Being (OSWW), funding key initiatives such as the How to Help a Struggling Friend program—offered both in-person and online—along with additional OSWW programs and events.
The How to Help a Struggling Friend course equips students to recognize signs of emotional distress and suicide risk, and teaches them how to respond by offering support and connecting peers with campus resources or emergency services when needed.
Our goal is for every Cougar to thrive in their mental well-being and for suicide to be prevented within the campus community. Achieving this requires the support of alumni, parents, students, faculty, businesses, and friends of the College. You can make a difference by donating, volunteering, and advocating.
What Others Say
Suicide prevention and reducing the stigma around mental health must be a collective effort directly aided by friends, family, faculty members and staff.
Rachael McNamara
Director of the Office of Student Wellness & Well-being
College of Charleston