Senior psychology major Alaina Humphreys honored for campus mental health advocacy

Oakland University student Alaina Humphreys recently received the George Orley Student Mental Health Advocate Award, which recognizes students who are advocates for mental health and have positive impacts on their college campuses.

Alaina Humphreys (Photo by Jennifer Patselas)

Two awards are presented each year – one to a University of Michigan student and one to a student from another college or university. The award honors the memory of George Orley, a University of Michigan student who lost his battle with depression in 2013.

“Being selected for this award is truly one of the greatest honors of my life,” said Humphreys. “It is so humbling to know that the Orley family has chosen me to represent George's legacy.”

Humphreys has made a positive impact on Oakland’s campus, both as a student leader and through two on-campus jobs that promote students’ mental health and wellbeing.

The senior psychology major helped relaunch OU’s Grizz Recovery Program, a Collegiate Recovery Program dedicated to helping students at any stage of their sobriety journey. She initially served as a student ambassador before being hired to market the program in a professional capacity. She has helped raise awareness and engagement around recovery by organizing events such as the Grizz Recovery Open House and the First Annual Color Walk for Recovery.

Grizz Recovery Coordinator Sarah Super, one of the individuals who nominated Humphreys for the George Orley Student Mental Health Advocate Award, says her efforts have brought people together, helping reduce the stigma of addiction on campus.

“Alaina’s leadership, presence, sharing of experiences and event participation have been key to Grizz Recovery’s ability to create a safe and active community,” Super said. “She has a heart for her fellow students who are in or exploring recovery as she reminds them that despite their addiction they are worthy individuals deserving of success at Oakland University and beyond.”

Alaina Humphreys and Zoe Wright (UM recipient of the Orley Award) are pictured with members of the Orley family. (Photo by Jennifer Patselas)

Additionally, Humphreys is the founder and president of Students for Recovery, an affiliated student organization that welcomes both allies and individuals in recovery, without sobriety requirements. The organization has hosted various campus events, including the Sober Spooktacular Halloween Party, which drew more than 75 students.

Humphreys is also certified to train others in the administration of naloxone, a life-saving medication that reverses opioid overdoses. She hosted her first training session for OU students in October 2025, directly contributing to harm-reduction efforts and student safety.

While working as a front desk attendant at the Oakland University Counseling Center (OUCC), Humphreys has streamlined filing systems, updated critical digital and physical resources used by both clinicians and students, compiled an extensive 50-page Practicum and Internship Manual alongside a companion Trainer’s Guide, and designed marketing materials to enhance the clinic’s visibility and outreach.

According to OUCC Director Dr. David Schwartz, these efforts have helped the center to provide better services to students, inspiring him to nominate Humphreys for the George Orley Student Mental Health Advocate Award.

“Alaina has maturity far beyond her years and she possesses an outstanding ability to connect with others,” said Schwartz. “She is a leader, a builder of healthy communities, a compassionate advocate for mental health and well-being and a unstoppable force for positive change. Her work will have a lasting impact on the OU community, and her future plans to pursue a Master of Social Work at OU demonstrate her continued commitment to service and social betterment.”

Humphreys has also presented at campus events, including at the Grizz Recovery Open House, co-hosts Sailing Sober, a weekly Alcoholics Anonymous meeting on campus, and leads Casual Recovery meetings several times per week. She recently celebrated seven consecutive years of sobriety, a testament to her strength, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to supporting others on their recovery journeys.

“There is a saying in the AA community: ‘In order to keep it [sobriety], you must give it away.’ It means that through advocacy, sharing the message, and fellowship, one's own recovery is strengthened,” said Humphreys. “I didn't know that I was missing a crucial piece in my recovery before coming to OU - the community. Grizz Recovery and the support of many individuals at OU helped me find my voice, my confidence, my community. In turn, I found the greater purpose for my life and my recovery.”

Looking ahead, Humphreys plans to use her education and experiences to continue helping others in the battle against addiction and substance use issues.

“For the future, I know I’m destined to be in a helping profession. I have recently been admitted to the Master of Social Work graduate program here at OU, and I'm so grateful to continue my education at the same school that helped me become my best self, she said. “I plan to use my future degree to work in the substance use recovery sector as a mental health clinician.”

Humphreys received the award at the Mental Health on College Campuses Conference Luncheon at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. Along with a plaque, the award came with $1,000 to donate to a student/campus organization of her choice. She has pledged her winnings to Grizz Recovery.