The KCON Deans for Wellness committee is pictured, from left, are Kelley
Monterusso, Susan Strouse, Cynthia McCurren, Kathy Watt, MaryJo Miedema
and Anne Markaity. Not pictured is Katie Boerman. Three colleges participated.
Three deans take up wellness challenge
Jun 15, 2015
From virtually walking to Florence, Italy, to learning about mindfulness, faculty and staff members in three colleges participated in the "Deans for Wellness" initiative created by Health and Wellness.
Deans for Wellness offers colleges an opportunity to create a unique wellness initiative and promote it among faculty and staff members. Lindsey DesArmo, health and wellness specialist, said the Kirkhof College of Nursing, College of Education and College of Health Professions each took a different spin on wellness.
Forty KCON participants virtually walked 11,500 miles to Florence, Italy, during the fall and winter semesters. The city is the birthplace of Florence Nightingale, founder of modern nursing. Participants logged the miles they walked or exercised and collected prizes along the way.
The College of Education offered a six-week mindfulness program in January and February. Shawn Evans, administrative assistant, said 16 people participated, meeting weekly and learning how to practice mindfulness in and out of the classroom.
The College of Health Professions held a one-time event and offered faculty and staff members an opportunity to learn more about Healthy Choices, a wellness program, and visit the Priority Health website to track programs.
Learn more about Deans for Wellness by clicking here.
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