Alumna Starts National Movement with "P.S. I Love You Day"
February 20, 2024 — This February, over 300,000 people celebrated the motto, “Love is meant to be given” for P.S. I Love You Day, a special celebration led by the nonprofit of alumna Brooke DiPalma '18, her family, and local community members.
Brooke DiPalma and Jaimie DiPalma showcase P.S. I Love You Day recognitions given to them by local municipalities. Photo courtesy of Brooke DiPalma.
P.S. I Love You Day combats mental health stigmas and fosters communities where everyone feels welcomed, loved, and supported. On the second Friday of February each year, celebrations span the nation. This year, on Feb. 9, over 600 communities participated including Brooke’s Red Fox Family at Marist.
The nonprofit’s directors, Brooke and her sister Jaimie DiPalma, ask everyone to wear purple and to stand up against bullying, help those with depression, and work to prevent suicide. The day and year-round nonprofit work pay homage to their late father who died by suicide in 2010.
“We’ve become something bigger than just my family story,” Brooke said. “Every community and individual celebrating makes P.S. I Love You Day their own, which keeps it growing. We must give love to ourselves first so that we can give love to others, which ultimately changes the world.”
Every year since Brooke was a student, Marist has acknowledged this day of positivity. This year, Marist sororities Tri Sigma and Kappa Kappa Gamma partnered to host club tables with activities and positive affirmation stations in the Murray Student Center.
Marist students celebrate P.S. I Love You Day 2024 in the Murray Center. Photo by Lindsey Bieber '25/Marist College.
After 14 years, the nonprofit’s impact has grown significantly, taking off in over 600 communities across 33 states, and touching countless lives.
Schools, municipalities, chambers of commerce, boutiques, cafes, pizzerias, and other local businesses commemorated P.S. I Love You Day 2024 in their own unique way.
Assemblyman Michael Durso introduced the P.S. I Love You Day Resolution for 2024 while wearing purple with other assembly members in Albany. New York State Governor Kathy Hochul recognized Feb. 9 as P.S. I Love You Day 2024.
In the last few weeks, Brooke presented to 19 schools, which encouraged acts of kindness and adorned spaces with purple hearts and uplifting affirmations.
Brooke DiPalma presents to an elementary school on P.S. I Love You Day. Photo courtesy of Brooke DiPalma.
Some organizations made care packages for first responders while others hosted community activities.
A recent winner of the 2023 Alumni Association Awards Young Alumni Award, Brooke was celebrated for her professional success, her commitment to service, and the impact that her nonprofit has had on the Marist community and beyond.
Video Production by Jeff Nicosia '88.
P.S. If you want to learn more about P.S. I Love You Day visit P.S. I Love You Day’s website or follow them on Instagram. You can also get involved as a school, business, or student.
