On Tuesday, March 25th, 2025, the Butler University community lost a beloved friend and fellow student, Sam Fingard, to suicide. Sam is remembered, first, as a deeply kind individual. He was an Accounting student, was active in multiple campus organizations, and loved baseball.  

It is in Sam’s memory that we, the undersigned, request that Butler University install safety measures around the Sunset Avenue parking garage. 
 
Sam’s death comes not two years after the death of another Butler student from the same location. It is clear that the open sides of the top floors of the parking structure pose a danger to those who struggle with suicidal ideation and other mental health concerns. For this reason, the Butler community is requesting that suicide deterrents, such as preventative caging, be installed around the top floors of the Sunset Avenue garage to prevent further deaths. 
 
Research is consistent with the assertion that limiting access to means of suicide, such as installing chain-link caging around tall structures, is an incredibly effective form of suicide prevention (Florentine & Crane, 2010; Sarchiapone et al., 2011; Shin et al., 2025). 
 
If this one measure can save one life, it is an infinitely worthy endeavor. 
 
We are obligated as a community to do everything within our control to ensure the safety of our fellow Bulldogs. We ask that you please join us in this effort to protect future generations of the Butler community. 
 
Sincerely, 
 
Butler University Students, Families, Faculty, and Staff 
 
This student-led petition is co-signed by the following Butler University Psychology Department, Sociology Department, and Counseling and Consultation Services staff/faculty: 
Dr. K. Magnus, Director of Counseling and Consultation Services 
Dr. F. Alceste, Psychology Department 
Dr. J. Berry, Psychology Department 
E. Bessler, Psycholgy Department 
Dr. B. Day, Psychology Department 
Dr. R. DeCaro, Psychology Department 
Dr. C. Dreves, Psychology Department 
Dr. K. Hamamouche, Psychology Department 
Dr. A. Kunze, Psychology Department 
Dr. T. Lineweaver, Psychology Department 
Dr. J. Martin, Psychology Department 
Dr. C. O’Dea, Psychology Department 
Dr. R. Padgett, Psychology Department 
Dr. S. Terwillegar, Psychology Department 
Dr. S. Wetmore, Psychology Department 
Dr. S. Barnard, Sociology & Criminology Department 
E. Bareman, Sociology & Criminology Department 
Dr. A. Hutson, Sociology & Criminology Department
Dr. K. Novak, Sociology & Criminology Department
Dr. A. Roehrkasse, Sociology & Criminology Department