Honoring Lindsey Bonistall’s Legacy: PEACE OUTside Campus Entrusts Its Mission to the Lauren McCluskey Foundation
After more than two decades of advocacy, education, and outreach, PEACE OUTside Campus has announced its decision to close, entrusting the Lauren McCluskey Foundation with helping carry forward its mission and the legacy of Lindsey Bonistall.
Lindsey Marie Bonistall was a 20-year-old sophomore journalism major at the University of Delaware. In the early hours of May 1, 2005, Lindsey was the victim of a violent crime in her off-campus apartment that took her life. Lindsey brought joy and laughter to the lives she touched and who strove to make a difference in her world.
PEACE OUTside Campus is both a celebration of Lindsey’s life and a continuation of her legacy as it aims to make a difference on her behalf. The foundation was aptly named because her family wanted to connect the support of peaceful and safe communities outside campus to Lindsey’s favorite sign-off, “Peace Out.”
PEACE OUTside Campus was established as foundation in July 2005 and received 501(c)(3) status in July 2006. For 21 years, Kathleen Bonistall, Althea Fusco, their Board of Directors, and countless supporters have dedicated themselves to helping students, families, and communities better understand personal safety and prevention. Through educational programs, research fellowships, community events, school presentations, and awareness campaigns, PEACE OUTside Campus has worked to make college campuses and surrounding communities safer across the East Coast and the country.
Much like the Lauren McCluskey Foundation, PEACE OUTside Campus was born from a family’s determination to turn tragedy into meaningful change. Both organizations were established in memory of young women whose lives tragically ended too soon, and both have worked to prevent other families from experiencing similar losses through education, advocacy, and community engagement.
In recognition of this shared mission, PEACE OUTside Campus has made the generous decision to direct their reserve funds to the Lauren McCluskey Foundation as it prepares to formally dissolve. This contribution will support the Foundation’s ongoing efforts to improve the response to relationship violence and stalking on college campuses, while helping carry forward the work and legacy of Lindsey Bonistall.
Lindsey’s legacy will also continue through an annual scholarship at the University of Delaware supporting journalism students, honoring her memory and providing opportunities for future generations.
Although PEACE OUTside Campus will no longer operate as an organization, its commitment to student safety will continue through the people, communities, and organizations it has supported over the past 21 years. The Lauren McCluskey Foundation looks forward to maintaining relationships with the organization’s leadership and supporters, sharing resources, and exploring future opportunities for collaboration.
We extend our sincere appreciation to Kathleen Bonistall, Althea Fusco, the leadership team, Board of Directors, and countless supporters of PEACE OUTside Campus for their dedication over the past 21 years. Their collective efforts have made a meaningful difference in the lives of students, families, and communities across the country. We are deeply grateful for their generosity and the trust placed in our organization and honored to help carry Lindsey’s legacy forward.
