UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — A new sculpture built entirely from painted sneakers now stands in the Student Health Center, offering the Penn State community a colorful reminder that support is always available.
The sculpture, named "HAVEN" — short for Healing and Validating Emotional Needs — was unveiled Sept. 9 as part of the Stompers Project, an initiative of the Jana Marie Foundation that uses community-built art to help “stomp out” the stigma surrounding mental health. The 6-foot sculpture was created over the course of the 2025-26 academic year through a series of community workshops, where students, faculty and staff painted individual shoe pieces that were later assembled into the finished piece.
“Every panel on this sculpture was painted by someone in our community who wanted to be part of something bigger than themselves,” said Jenna Eybs, community health educator with University Health Services. “HAVEN is proof that when we create space for people to be honest about their mental health, they show up and they show up for each other.”
"HAVEN" now stands on the second floor of the Student Health Center, home to University Health Services (UHS) and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). The sculpture is intended to encourage healing, emotional authenticity and hope, and to remind every member of the Penn State community that they are seen.
The collaboration between UHS and CAPS to bring "HAVEN" to life speaks to a larger partnership between both units.
“UHS and CAPS routinely work together to offer healing spaces for our campus community,” said Stephanie Stama, assistant director in CAPS. “'HAVEN' is a beautiful representation of our values and partnership.”
The Stompers Project has created life-sized sculptures across Centre County and beyond since 2015, partnering with schools, community organizations and universities to spark conversations about mental health through creative expression. Penn State's Center for the Performing Arts partnered with the foundation on a previous sculpture, "Consuelo," now on display in the Eisenhower Auditorium lobby.
"HAVEN" grew out of a personal connection between UHS staff and the Jana Marie Foundation. Jennifer Brauser, a pharmacist with UHS, suggested the project after connecting with the foundation following the death of her sister by suicide five years ago.
“I knew that I wanted to bring this project to UHS as a way to turn a personal loss into something personal and meaningful. My hope is that 'HAVEN' will encourage greater connection, compassion and open conversations about emotional well-being,” Brauser said. “Most importantly, I hope it reminds us that our feelings matter, our stories matter, and sometimes simply listening and letting someone know they are not alone can make all the difference.”
Penn State Student Affairs supports holistic student success through advocacy, education, engagement and care. With more than 30 programs and units, Student Affairs helps students thrive in and out of the classroom, discover community and belonging, build leadership skills and create lasting memories. All programs and events are open to all students, regardless of sex, gender, sexual orientation, race or other protected class. Student Affairs is committed to building a community of belonging for all. Learn more about Student Affairs programs at studentaffairs.psu.edu.