鈥淭his purposeful alignment of HealthEU Day with the Health Promoting Campuses Week and Earth Week highlights our commitment to advance the well-being of people, places and the planet that we made as we adopted the Okanagan Charter last fall,鈥� said Anu M R盲is盲nen, director of HealthEU initiatives and assistant professor. 鈥淗ealthEU Day provides an opportunity for students, faculty and staff to celebrate 乱伦视频’s culture of health and well-being and reflect on how we can make an impact on the well-being of our communities and the planet.”

This year鈥檚 event will feature a special College Coffee and sessions throughout the day. It will also introduce new offerings, as all university departments and organizations were invited to host sessions. Many sessions reflect HealthEU鈥檚 鈥淩ooted in Community鈥� campaign, which emphasizes how caring for individuals, creating supportive environments and promoting environmental stewardship all contribute to fostering a healthier campus community.

All sessions will have exciting giveaways and opportunities to win great prizes. In addition, there will be 鈥渉ealth forward鈥� eating ideas and samples shared throughout the day, courtesy of Harvest Table. All events are free and open to students, faculty and staff.

HealthEU is the university鈥檚 integrated health and well-being initiative that focuses on empowering students, faculty and staff to practice holistic well-being through the six dimensions of well-being: emotional, community, financial, physical, purpose and social.

HealthEU Day Schedule of Events

College Coffee

9:40 – 10:20 a.m. | Phi Beta Kappa Commons

Designing for Well-Being Workshop

10:30 – 11:15 a.m. | Belk Library 102

DIY Self-Care Boxes

10:30 a.m. – noon | Young Commons

Fleet Feet on Campus

11 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Koury Concourse

Reserve a time using or drop by.

Drum, Destress and Decompress!

1:30 – 2:15 p.m. | Young Commons

CommUnity Field Day

2:30 – 4 p.m. | Young Commons

STARS Celebration

4 – 5 p.m. | Lakeside Meeting Rooms

Explore the Pilates System

4:15 – 5:15 p.m. | Needham Pilates Studio (bottom floor of the Koury Fitness Center)

Pickleball Smash

5 – 7 p.m. | Outdoor courts at the Gerald L. Francis Center

Feel free to drop in at any time or register for a time slot using the .

For a detailed schedule of events, please visit the HealthEU website.

A generous gift from 乱伦视频 Trustee Bill Slattery and his wife Tish Slattery P鈥�24 P鈥�28 will name the university鈥檚 new center for health and wellness and also create 14 additional scholarships in the Odyssey Program to assist talented students with significant financial need.

乱伦视频 President Connie Ledoux Book and the Board of Trustees announced the Slatterys鈥� gift at the board鈥檚 spring meeting April 10-11. Book thanked the Slattery family for their generosity and leadership in supporting a center that will integrate academics, wellness, campus recreation and fitness programs to ensure students gain the skills they need to thrive on campus and throughout every stage of their lives.

鈥淭he 乱伦视频 community is deeply honored to name the HealthEU Center in recognition of the Slattery family,鈥� Book said. 鈥淭his extraordinary investment from Bill and Tish Slattery will help 乱伦视频 meet its mission to transform the mind, body and spirit of every student, and prepare healthy graduates ready to share their gifts with the world.鈥�

The ability to address the health and well-being of students early in their lives inspired the Slatterys to make their gift.

鈥淢y career at the intersection of science and investment often requires decades to witness the outcomes of success,鈥� Bill Slattery said. 鈥淗ealthEU is an opportunity to intervene with our students at an early age and engage in these activities in a more structured, thoughtful way, and hopefully reduce some of their adversities in life.鈥�

鈥淚 believe social media has impacted students greatly, and institutions like 乱伦视频 that provide centers like HealthEU will be at an advantage going forward,鈥� Tish Slattery said. 鈥淗ealth and wellness encompass so much more than just the physical aspect. I鈥檓 incredibly grateful that we鈥檙e able to impact 乱伦视频 with this gift.鈥�

Slattery Center is a central component to the university鈥檚 broader HealthEU initiative that focuses on six dimensions of health and wellness: community, emotional, purpose, financial, physical and social. The three-story center will feature new classrooms, student-faculty research spaces, multiple floors for wellness and fitness activities, and the Mark and Kim Tyson Counseling Center, which will provide individual and group therapy, as well as workshops and outreach programs.

Through coursework, as well as workshops and training programs focused on health and wellness, Slattery Center will impact all students as they progress through their education and learn essential skills and practices related to wellness and well-being. The center is a key priority of the Boldly 乱伦视频 strategic plan that will guide the university to 2030. Scheduled to open in fall 2026, Slattery Center will be located within 乱伦视频鈥檚 Innovation Quad, home to the university鈥檚 engineering and other STEM programs.

The Slatterys鈥� gift will also endow the William and Tish Slattery Odyssey Program Scholarship, funding 14 new scholarships in the program that gives bright, passionate students with high financial need and/or no family history of college attendance access to 乱伦视频鈥檚 nationally recognized engaged learning programs.

These new investments bring the total number of Odyssey Program scholarships to nearly 300, more than halfway to the university鈥檚 goal of having a total of 400 Odyssey Scholarships, or 100 scholars per class, as called for in the Boldly 乱伦视频 strategic plan. Housed in 乱伦视频鈥檚 Center for Access and Success, the Odyssey Program is nationally recognized as a model for need- and merit-based initiatives, with a nearly 100% first-to-second-year student retention rate and an 87% graduation rate, well above the national average.

The Slatterys have been impressed by the educational experience 乱伦视频 delivers to students. Their daughter Madelyn graduated in 2024, and their son James is an 乱伦视频 sophomore.

鈥淚鈥檝e been very happy to see the school excel at its academic responsibility in education while equally addressing students鈥� needs as people at the social level,鈥� Bill said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a pleasant, inviting and warm place that cares for its students.鈥�

鈥淔rom the moment you step foot on 乱伦视频鈥檚 campus, you feel a great sense of community,鈥� Tish said. 鈥淭he close relationships that students have with their professors makes 乱伦视频 stand out among its peers.鈥�

Bill Slattery is a partner at Deerfield Management Company,聽Therapeutics. Prior to joining Deerfield in 2000, Slattery served as a senior healthcare analyst for 10 years at Amerindo Investment Advisors in New York, where he oversaw biotechnology investments. He has also held various positions in research, including those at National Medical Enterprises, Johnson & Johnson, and HMSS. He is the former chair of Red Door Community, which supports those impacted by cancer and their families.

Bill was elected to 乱伦视频鈥檚 Board of Trustees in 2024. Tish is a member of the Slattery聽Family Foundation and served in administration at Amerindo Investment Advisors. Recently, Tish was named chair of the Miss Hall鈥檚 School Arts Advisory Council. The couple reside in Rye, New York.

Community Well-Being: How has sustainability helped you feel more connected to a community鈥攅ither on campus or beyond?

Finn Hughes 鈥�28: 聽On campus, it鈥檚 helped me connect with people who share the same values and passions, whether that鈥檚 for the environment, animals or sustainability in general. It鈥檚 helped me build friendships, but it鈥檚 also shaped my moral compass and pushed me to get more involved beyond campus. I鈥檝e had opportunities I didn鈥檛 even know were possible, like trips where we can go to the beach, do cleanups and take part in volunteer work.

Sophie Frank 鈥�29: On campus, Eco Reps and the Office of Sustainability host a lot of events, and since many of my friends are involved in organizing them, I鈥檓 able to show up and participate. It feels like we鈥檙e all contributing to sustainability on campus as a community, and that鈥檚 something that really brings us together. There鈥檚 always something going on.

Grace Smith 鈥�27: I鈥檝e been really involved with the Sustainability LLC, especially last year as an RA. I got to see the community we built with the first-year students on my floor. It gave us a way to connect around something bigger than ourselves while still making a real impact in small ways. That shared commitment really shaped a strong sense of community on campus.

Lulu Welch 鈥�28: Between my classes, especially the more environmentally focused ones, and this trip, it鈥檚 nice to be around people who care about the environment as much as I do. It can be hard to find people who also care about sustainability, even though it is such an important issue right now.

Emotional Well-Being: In what ways does practicing sustainability support your emotional well-being or sense of purpose?

Hughes:聽 It definitely hurts my emotional well-being to see the things that are happening to our planet. But practicing sustainability also helps me with my emotional and social well-being. Practicing聽activities, like cleanups and seeing the positive impact that I can have on the planet, helps me to feel rejuvenated.

Frank: The Earth is very valuable, and honestly, it feels good to be able to take care of it and do what I’m supposed to do. When you make sustainable choices, you influence and engage others. It is rewarding.

Smith: It makes me feel like I’m part of something larger than myself. We all have to be a part of promoting sustainability, educating ourselves and others and living a sustainable lifestyle. All those little things add up, especially when a large group of people is doing them. It feels good to support the well-being of others and the world around me.

Welch: Sustainability is important because it鈥檚 how we preserve our environment. It鈥檚 something I practice every day. If I didn鈥檛, I鈥檇 feel like I wasn鈥檛 practicing what I preach and I would be a hypocrite.

Seeing people not care about the environment can be upsetting, because this is our Earth and we need to take care of it. But at the same time, seeing people who do care gives me hope for the future. It makes me emotional because it reminds me that there are people who are paying attention and trying to make a difference.

Physical: Well-Being: What are some sustainable choices you make in your daily routine that also support your physical health?

Hughes: I try to use less plastic, which is good, because it limits the microplastics in your body. I’m also vegan and eat homegrown and fresh produce. I also try to avoid processed foods.

I also try to limit my emissions by walking or biking instead of driving whenever I can.

Frank: I am big on spending time outdoors, walking outside and not using single-use plastic. I am also a vegetarian, which is something that affects my day-to-day lifestyle and overall helps the environment.

Smith: I’ve really been into spending more time outdoors and supporting my national and state parks. When I am outside, I try to pick up any trash and keep the environment clean.

Welch: I always pick up trash when I see it on the ground, and I try to avoid unnecessary plastics by using reusable items. I also try to shop for organic food.

I do a lot of gardening, mostly flowers. I grew up helping take care of my yard, and my mom loves growing flowers, so that鈥檚 something I鈥檝e always enjoyed. I鈥檝e tried growing vegetables too, but being from Massachusetts, that didn鈥檛 always go very well. I also avoid using pesticides or anything that could be harmful to the environment.

Social Well-Being: How have conversations or shared experiences around sustainability influenced your relationships with others?

Hughes: I鈥檓 able to relate to others, whether through protests or shared involvement in sustainability, which helps me feel like I鈥檓 not alone. It can be overwhelming at times. It鈥檚 easy to feel like one person can鈥檛 make a difference. But when you鈥檙e surrounded by others who care, it reminds you that your actions matter and together you can get more done, take action and create more opportunities to make an impact.

Frank: Through my major, I鈥檝e been able to connect with a lot of people and build close relationships. I鈥檝e also done volunteer work in western North Carolina, where I met new people. Experiences like this trip and the work we鈥檙e doing right now, are already helping me to build new connections.

Smith: Even with this trip, I鈥檝e built a lot of friendships. Coming together in support of a common cause, like sustainability, has helped me build relationships with others who are working toward that same goal.

I came into this trip not knowing anyone, and I鈥檓 leaving with friends, all because we shared the same purpose: promoting sustainability.

Welch: I think a lot of people don鈥檛 fully understand the importance of sustainability, and that鈥檚 the first step. It includes having conversations and educating others so they can better understand the impact of sustainability.

There are plenty of people聽who don鈥檛 really believe in sustainability, which I find funny, because there鈥檚 so much science and research that shows why it matters. It鈥檚 how we keep our environment clean, healthy and moving forward.

Financial Well-Being: How has sustainability shaped the way you think about spending, saving or using resources?

Hughes: 聽Even when I go to the store, I鈥檒l pick something up and then stop and think, 鈥榃ait, is this good for the environment?鈥� It鈥檚 made me more aware of where things come from and what happens after I use them. I think documentaries and experiences like seeing trash on the beach really put that into perspective. It makes you realize how your everyday choices add up and what they actually mean.

Frank: I try not to use single-use plastic. That鈥檚 one of the things I try to do the most. When I go to the store, I try to avoid聽plastic bags and water bottles as much as I can. If I do use them, I make sure to recycle whenever possible.

Smith: I鈥檝e really tried to buy less plastic and throw away less. I avoid things like individually wrapped snacks, like Goldfish. It鈥檚 the little things that add up.

That鈥檚 really how it has impacted me. I think more about what I鈥檓 using and what happens to it after. Where is the garbage I produce going? Is it being recycled properly? Is it actually being turned into something else?

I refuse to use single-use plastics, like one-use water bottles. I鈥檓 not a fan. I鈥檝e also been trying to bring my own bags every time I grocery shop. All of those small choices are ways I鈥檓 trying to stop contributing to overconsumption and the mass production of plastic, and really downsize my impact.

Welch: I only use reusable products and try to avoid food that is overly processed or full of hormones by shopping for organic foods.聽 Overall, I try to live my life as sustainably as possible.

Purpose Well-Being: How has your understanding of sustainability influenced your sense of purpose or the impact you want to make after 乱伦视频?

Hughes: Sustainability has shaped a lot of my purpose because I鈥檓 really passionate about it. It鈥檚 changed me to focus more on action rather than being passive, telling people what needs to be done. Getting hands-on has made me more confident and more passionate about getting involved, whether that鈥檚 through school boards, larger organizations or even speaking opportunities.

It鈥檚 also helped me realize that I have a purpose that鈥檚 bigger than myself. I am able to talk about sustainability in ways that feel more accessible. Sometimes it can seem distant or overwhelming, but bringing it back to everyday actions makes it feel more real and something people can actually connect to.

Frank: With my major, I want to go into corporate sustainability, more on the business side. My goal is to work with larger companies to find ways for them to become more sustainable, while also helping engage businesses and the public in making choices that better support our environment.

Smith: I want to live a sustainable life. As a nursing major. I see there’s so much single-use plastic, things being thrown away in the healthcare industry. I would love to someday make an impact in the healthcare system and make it more sustainable. I want my own life to be sustainable, but there’s more work to be done toward a bigger cause here. Many of our industries aren’t promoting sustainability, and I want to make an impact there.

Welch: For me, sustainability has given me a great sense of purpose. I grew up in a town that was big on recycling. You could even get fined if you didn鈥檛 do it. Because of that, my dad has always been a big recycler and it became something that was important to me, too.

I鈥檝e also always been interested in science and biology, so over time those interests started to align with my goals. Now, I want to go into research focused on sustainability or ecological conservation.

Through this shared experience, students reflected on how聽sustainability isn鈥檛 just a single action. It鈥檚 a mindset shaped by everyday choices that support the environment and strengthen their own well-being across the six dimensions of well-being.

The study examines how faculty and staff experience wellness on campus, the institutional factors that shape those experiences, and the opportunities colleges have to build healthier, more supportive environments that enhance employee well-being.

Findings show that departmental factors, such as valuing work鈥搇ife balance and providing strong supervisor support, are significantly associated with positive perceptions of culture of wellness. In contrast, negative workplace experiences, including strained supervisor relationships and a lack of tools or resources, were linked to lower perceptions of culture of wellness. Moreover, the study showed a link between positive perceptions of culture of wellness and better employee health outcomes, including overall well-being and emotional well-being.

By contributing to the national conversation about workplace wellness in higher education, the authors highlight both the challenges and the potential for creating environments where faculty and staff can thrive. Their work reinforces 乱伦视频鈥檚 leadership in this area and offers guidance as the university continues to promote well-being across the institution.

鈥淚 was in this no-man鈥檚 land of just going to the gym recreationally because I had nothing to train for, and since rowing was so demanding, the gym was simply not enough,鈥� Taylor said.

Growing up, Taylor鈥檚 mother ran marathons and suggested running and triathlons to satisfy Taylor鈥檚 fitness needs. However, Taylor, who describes himself as an 鈥渙verachiever,鈥� believed running was not enough and started researching Ironman races.

An Ironman race is a full-distance endurance event consisting of a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride and 26.2-mile run. SportsEvents Magazine characterizes it as one of the world’s most challenging one-day endurance events, totaling 140.6 miles with an average 17-hour time limit. Taylor saw this as a great opportunity to challenge himself and keep his physical health and fitness at the top of his priorities. In 2024, Matthew Taylor signed up for The Ironman 7.3 Eagleman race in Cambridge, Maryland. The Eagleman race is half the distance of the full Ironman, featuring a 1.2-mile swim in the Choptank River, a 56-mile flat bike course through the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge and a 13.1-mile flat run.

As a finance and entrepreneur double major, an Innovation Scholar, and a servant leader for 乱伦视频鈥檚 Catholic Campus Ministry, Taylor had six months to train for the Eagleman.聽 He used the Beck Pool in the Koury Athletic Center for his morning swims, and the Jerry and Jeanne Robertson Track and Field Complex to practice his long-distance runs. When the day of the Eagleman came, and Taylor crossed the finish line, he knew he was ready for the full Ironman race.

鈥淭his wasn’t my first time testing my limits in a triathlon. Crossing that finish line was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It proved to me that I was capable of pushing past the point of exhaustion and that the real challenge wasn鈥檛 only physical, it was mental,鈥� Taylor said

Since that day, Taylor鈥檚 training has only intensified. The 70.3 Eagleman taught him that success in endurance racing is built on discipline, consistency and the ability to embrace discomfort. Balancing college life with the demands of Ironman preparation was one of his greatest challenges. Between early morning swim sessions before class and hour-long bike rides on the weekends, Taylor realized that recovery became as important as the workouts themselves. Nutrition, sleep, and mindset all became part of the equation. Taylor values 乱伦视频鈥檚 Health EU initiatives, not only because health is a big part of his identity, but he also wants his generation to become healthier.

鈥淕rowing up, especially with the strain of screens, had taken a toll on my generation鈥檚 mental and physical health. So, it is reassuring that 乱伦视频 pushes mental and physical health and provides many resources for students to get active and feel better,鈥� Taylor said.

On Nov. 1, 2025, he stood at the edge of the Gulf of Mexico in Panama City Beach, Florida, waiting for the horn to sound. At 20 years old , Taylor dove into the Gulf waters at sunrise and crossed the Ironman finish line after sunset. The moment marked the culmination of a journey that began a year earlier and was shaped by every early morning run, every swim lap and every mile pedaled on tired legs.

鈥淚t was unlike anything I鈥檝e done before. I knew there would be moments of struggle, when fatigue set in and doubt crept up. Every mile I accomplished reflected months of dedication and determination,鈥� Taylor said.

During this experience, Taylor was able to connect with many of his peers who were also training for similar races and researching health studies. Taylor had the opportunity to participate in a caloric burn research study with Assistant Professor Amanda McGrosky, which utilized carbon dioxide levels from a person’s breathing to determine the number of calories being burned. Through Taylor鈥檚 participation and McGrosky research, they were able to discover weight gain should be credited towards overeating, rather than decreased physical activity. Taylor is also a member of the recently founded 乱伦视频 Triathlon Club.

鈥淔or me, this race wasn’t just about athletic achievement. It was about proving what鈥檚 possible when you commit fully to a goal. It was about representing the power of perseverance and showing that even as a student balancing studies, commitments, and training, you can still chase something extraordinary,鈥� Taylor said.

William Rudd Jr. 鈥�50 and James Robertson 鈥�50 understood the value of friendship better than most people. After all, theirs lasted close to 80 years.

To honor his father and that friendship, Rudd鈥檚 son, Bill Rudd III, made a $100,000 gift to 乱伦视频鈥檚 HealthEU Center. In recognition of the gift, a plaque will be installed on the landing between the second and third floors of Dalton L. McMichael Sr. Science Center with the following inscription: 鈥淚n honor of William G. Rudd Jr., and James E. Robertson, distinguished members of the Class of 1950, for their nearly 80 years as classmates, fellow WWII veterans, business partners and lifelong friends.鈥�

The named space features a comfortable sitting area and plenty of natural light that Bill hopes will inspire students to gather and begin their own lifelong friendships. Rudd and Robertson studied the sciences at 乱伦视频, with Rudd majoring in pre-med and Robertson biology.

鈥淚 thought there needs to be a way to honor my father鈥檚 life, especially knowing that he and James had such a long friendship,鈥� Bill said. 鈥淣owadays, things are so transitory, including interactions between people, but you can鈥檛 put a value on 80 years of friendship.鈥�

Bill Rudd Jr. grew up in the small rural community of Monticello in Guilford County, North Carolina, where he spent many hours working the family鈥檚 75-acre tobacco farm. Robertson was raised about 30 miles north in Leaksville, North Carolina, near the town of Eden in Rockingham County. Both men grew up during the Depression, which made them resilient and appreciate what little money they had.

鈥淚 think that鈥檚 one of the things that bound them together, the modest circumstances in which they were born and lived,鈥� Bill said.

The two met on 乱伦视频鈥檚 campus following their military service in World War II. Drafted in 1944, Rudd served in the Army鈥檚 87th Infantry Division and fought in France during the Battle of the Bulge. Robertson enlisted in the Army Air Corp as a high school senior and served stateside as a radio operator. Both enrolled at 乱伦视频 through the GI Bill and bonded over their shared military service, small-town roots and interest in science. When they weren鈥檛 studying, they passed the time playing cards and hanging out on campus. If they wanted to go anywhere, they had to hitchhike since neither had a car.

Following graduation, the two men returned to their hometowns, with Rudd working at Sears in Greensboro, while Robertson went to work at Duke Energy at the Dan River Station in Eden. Before long, Rudd joined his best friend at the utility company, where they worked together for nearly four decades.

鈥淚t was his first step in getting away from home and was a chance for him to see the world,鈥� Bill recalled. 鈥淗e did not want to live on a tobacco farm.鈥�

In 1952, while still working at Duke Energy, Robertson opened his own business, Rockingham Insurance Agency, in an 800-square-foot brick building in Eden. His father had a successful career in insurance and Robertson wanted to continue that legacy. Rudd agreed to join Robertson as co-owner, proving that best friends can be successful business partners. They quickly developed a reputation for honesty among their clients and regularly drew on each other鈥檚 strengths to grow their business, including Robertson鈥檚 mastery of numbers.

鈥淭hey both worked hard and treated people with dignity,鈥� Bill said. 鈥淭hey never abused the responsibility they had for selling and serving insurance.鈥�

鈥淭hey were able to communicate with each other in a way that they respected each other and were there for each other in the good and the bad times,鈥� added James鈥� son, George Robertson. 鈥淟ife is tough and you have to be there for each other and they were.鈥�

Both men were also loyal donors to 乱伦视频 and visited campus as often as they could. Together they amassed nearly 60 years of annual giving to their university, primarily for scholarships, as a way of thanking 乱伦视频 for their education.

Rudd and Robertson remained close, even after Rudd entered assisted living. Though his memory was fading, Rudd never forgot his best friend when he came to visit. Rudd passed away on October 3, 2023, and Robertson died four months later.

During a recent visit to campus, Bill Rudd reflected on how happy he was to continue his father鈥檚 legacy and that of his best friend.

鈥淚 feel a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment that carries on beyond their deaths,鈥� he said. 鈥淚n some ways, 乱伦视频 has helped me to become who I am today, and I am forever grateful for that.鈥�

About the HealthEU Center

The new HealthEU Center will integrate academics, wellness, campus recreation and fitness programs to ensure students gain the skills they need to thrive on campus and beyond.

The center is a key component of the Boldly 乱伦视频 strategic plan and 乱伦视频鈥檚 broader HealthEU initiative that focuses on six dimensions of health and wellness: community, emotional, purpose, financial, physical and social. The three-story center will feature new classrooms, student-faculty research spaces, multiple floors for wellness and fitness activities, and the Mark and Kim Tyson Counseling Center, which will provide individual and group therapy, as well as workshops and outreach programs.

Currently under construction, the center is located within 乱伦视频鈥檚 Innovation Quad, home to the university鈥檚 engineering and other STEM programs, and scheduled to open in Fall 2026.

Many naming opportunities remain in the HealthEU Center, beginning at $50,000. Gift commitments may be made in full or with a pledge over five years. To find out how you can make聽an impact with your gift, contact Brian Baker, associate vice president for university advancement, at 336.278.7453 or bbaker7@elon.edu.

Mitchener’s connection to 乱伦视频 began through an unexpected source: her mother’s nursing practice. Her mother was treating a patient who was attending 乱伦视频, which gave Mitchener access to explore the campus.

She recalls the day she visited for the first time: 鈥淲hile my mom was seeing her patient, she left me downtown. I went to Oak House and walked around the campus. And after the tour, I fell in love with 乱伦视频. I knew that this was my campus, and this was my home,” she said.

After this newfound love, Mitchener explored ways to begin her 乱伦视频 journey through financial aid programs. She discovered and applied to both the Odyssey Program and Public Health Scholars.

She remembers the night her academic potential was recognized; it was the night of her final senior year dance concert. As the show wrapped up, she received a call from 乱伦视频鈥檚 Odyssey Program delivering good news of her acceptance into the program through the聽Kerrii Brown Anderson Odyssey Scholarship.

Now a senior double major in public health and policy studies, Mitchener is actively involved in creating solutions for the community鈥檚 public health problems.

鈥淕rowing up, I always thought the way to help others was just being a doctor,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 really love how public health is grounded in not only finding the root issue, but understanding the community that you’re working with.”

While Mitchener was in a public health course that was required for the Public Health Scholars Program, she recalls her professor, Associate Professor of Public Health Studies Stephanie Baker, stating: 鈥淚f you’re going to be a healthcare professional and be upset at the systems that don’t allow you to help your patients to the full extent that you want to, being a healthcare professional might not be for you.鈥�

鈥淭hat stuck with me, because I think of insurance and how much medicines can cost, making it very difficult for people to access healthcare. I want to be a piece of the healthcare solution,” said Mitchener.

Now, Mitchener and her course group are currently working to revise the Public Art & Honorary Policy for the city of Burlington. This includes making an application form for any community member who wants to donate a piece of art or get a memorial plaque. Additionally, she created a resource for community members to connect with local and statewide art collectives.

鈥淲e share all of our deliverables with the city in hopes that they will implement the policy. They can make any edits they see fit, and it was a collaborative process where we were constantly in contact with the city,” said Mitchener.

Also involved with Periclean Scholars, Mitchener was able to mentor the sophomore class and go to their global partner in Sri Lanka.

鈥淭he Periclean cohort has honestly just been such a light in my 乱伦视频 experience and not only given me community but also purpose,” she said.

Her initiative for change doesn鈥檛 stop there; Micthener is also a HealthEU Senator with 乱伦视频 Student Government Association.

鈥淎 big piece of Student Government is writing legislation and advocating for the student body and what they need,鈥� she said.

Through the SGA, she has already taken noticeable action to improve the 乱伦视频 community through HealthEU policy. She identified a lack of seating accessibility at the bus stop near the Dalton L. McMichael Sr. Science Center. Now, there is now a covered seating area that sits beautifully outside the McMichael Science Center.

Mitchener also took the initiative to further amplify student voices at a dinner with 乱伦视频 President Connie Ledoux Book. Through her connection to the community and the students in it, she identified a common problem among 乱伦视频 students having access to transportation to the airport during breaks. After she represented and stood up for community needs, changes were made. Students now have wider access to airport transportation through 乱伦视频-provided shuttles.

鈥淚t taught me how important having connections is,” she said. “If I didn’t have a connection with those students, if I didn’t take my time to ask and understand their needs and why they have them, the problem wouldn’t have been addressed or been on the radar.鈥�

Remembering the help she received along the way, Mitchener states her Odyssey scholarship acted as a 鈥渓aunching pad鈥� for her success in her public health and policy studies.

鈥淭he Odyssey Program doesn’t just keep you stagnant,” she said. “It empowers you to branch out and pursue whatever you want on campus. It’s allowed me to fully embrace the college experience.鈥�

Mitchener describes a recent 鈥渕elt your heart moment鈥� she experienced with another student. While leading a tour of 乱伦视频 to prospective students, one girl spoke up and said, 鈥淚 love this school. I want to go here so badly. But I don’t know if I can afford it.鈥� It was then that she offered to share the Odyssey and scholarship resources with the prospective student to help her achieve her dream 乱伦视频 experience. Just a year later, the prospective student had committed to 乱伦视频 on an Odyssey scholarship and is now Mitchener’s mentee.

鈥淒onors get to empower a student,” said Mitchener. “I don’t think about it like you just give a student money and walk away. Instead, you’re empowering them and giving them the tools to pursue whatever it is that they want.鈥�

Community Conversations & Civic Engagement

Deliberative Dialogue 鈥� America鈥檚 250: What鈥檚 Next America?

Monday, Feb. 23, 4:30 p.m., Lakeside 212

As America marks its 250th year, this dialogue invites reflection on our shared past and the opportunity for diverse voices to share space and ideas to develop a collective vision for the next 250. Sponsored by the Kernodle Center for Civic Life and Political Engagement Work Group

Better Together: Breaking Bread, Building Bridges

Feb. 24 鈥� May 5, every other Tuesday, 12:30-1:45 p.m.

Join us at Better Together this spring for connection and conversation. This time together invites us to live fully in the present and reflect on what makes this moment meaningful. Share stories, explore diverse perspectives, and build community. .

Dr. Habiba Sarabi: Education Rights of Afghan Women

Tuesday, Feb. 24, 4:30-5:30 p.m., Alumni Gym

Join a conversation with Dr. Habiba Sarabi on the global impact of Afghanistan鈥檚 ban on women鈥檚 education and the fight for educational rights and gender equality. Dr. Sarabi, an Afghan politician, women鈥檚 rights activist, and medical doctor made history as the first woman to be appointed a provincial governor in Afghanistan, leading Bamyan Province. She previously served as Minister of Women鈥檚 Affairs and Minister of Culture and Education, where she focused on expanding education, protecting the environment and advancing the rights of women.

State of the Union Address Watch Party

Tuesday, Feb. 24, 8-10:30 p.m., Moseley 105

Join us for pizza and a live viewing of President Trump鈥檚 first State of the Union address of his second term. Come watch, discuss and stay informed. Sponsored by 乱伦视频 Votes!

Love Your Body, Berry Much

Wednesday, Feb. 25, 11:30 a.m. 鈥� 1:30 p.m., Lakeside Entrance

Stop by for coconut-lime strawberries and a strawberry mocktail, courtesy of 乱伦视频 Dining, while also learning tips for mindful eating. Swing through, grab a treat and discover ways to build healthier habits. Visit the for more information.

Cynthia Miller-Idriss 鈥� 鈥淢an Up: Understanding Misogyny to Prevent Extremism

Lauren Dunne Astley Memorial Lecture

Thursday, Feb. 26, 4:30 p.m., Numen Lumen Pavilion, McBride Gathering Space

Extremism expert Cynthia Miller-Idriss examines how misogyny 鈥� online and off 鈥� fuels the rise in far-right and mass violence, and offers strategies for interruption and prevention rooted in everyday life. The Lauren Dunne Astley Memorial Lecture honors Lauren, who was set to join 乱伦视频’s Class of 2015 before her murder by a former boyfriend in July 2011. Established in her memory, the fund educates the 乱伦视频 community on healthy relationships and building a culture free from violence. Visit the Spring Cultural Calendar for more information about upcoming events this semester.

Adventure Time with 乱伦视频 Outdoors!

Adventures in Leadership Summer Staff Positions Available

Applications are now open for summer Adventures in Leadership staff positions, where you鈥檒l guide incoming first-year students through exciting outdoor experiences. Earn potential internship credit and build leadership skills. Apply today on the 乱伦视频 Job Network!

乱伦视频 Challenge

The 乱伦视频 Challenge is a great way to help classes, teams, organizations, corporations or cohorts grow through building authentic relationships, learning how to manage resources, developing creative thinking, and applying knowledge in new ways. Visit the 乱伦视频 Challenge website to review the options, gather your group, and complete the interest form to schedule a customized, no-cost experience.

Last Chance to Become an Orientation Leader

Application Deadline is Friday, Feb. 27

The Orientation Leader application is still live. As an OL, you are an integral part of the orientation process. You will play a pivotal role in the transition of all the new students to 乱伦视频, serving as a guide and mentor to new students throughout their transition. by this Friday, Feb. 27.

鈥淥ur dining philosophy is rooted in the belief that food should nourish, energize and support long-term health, while celebrating flavor, culture and sustainability,鈥� said Mary Thorton, founder and president of Harvest Table Culinary Group. 鈥淏y supporting the HealthEU Center, we can continue advancing these values and create meaningful experiences that promote well-being.鈥�

In recognition of the company鈥檚 gift, the demonstration kitchen and adjoining classroom on the third floor of the HealthEU Center will be named the Harvest Table Culinary Group Classroom and Kitchen. Teaching Kitchens encourage faculty, staff and student organizations to partner with 乱伦视频 Dining鈥檚 chefs and dietitian to create enriching learning experiences while learning valuable skills concerning healthy eating and meal preparation.

鈥淭he Teaching Kitchen program we co-developed with 乱伦视频 is a hallmark of the 乱伦视频 Dining experience and a source of great pride for us,鈥� Thorton said. 鈥淗aving a dedicated space within the HealthEU Center to host teaching kitchens will be transformative for this program.鈥�

Harvest Table Culinary Group provides for the entire campus community. The company focuses on chef-driven, authentic and locally sourced food that emphasizes clean ingredients, community connection and well-being through partnerships with local farms and chefs.

鈥溌衣资悠� is a founding partner of Harvest Table Culinary Group, and we are thrilled to have a long-term, collaborative relationship,鈥� Thorton said. 鈥淥ur shared values鈥攕tudent-centered learning, global engagement and experiential education鈥攎ake this partnership truly special. We are deeply committed to the success of the Boldly 乱伦视频 (strategic plan) and proud to support the university in every way possible.鈥�

The HealthEU Center is a central component of Boldly 乱伦视频 and the university鈥檚 broader HealthEU initiative that focuses on six dimensions of health and wellness: community, emotional, purpose, financial, physical and social. The three-story center will feature new classrooms, student-faculty research spaces, multiple floors for wellness and fitness activities, and the Mark and Kim Tyson Counseling Center, which will provide individual and group therapy, as well as workshops and outreach programs.

Currently under construction, the center is located within 乱伦视频鈥檚 Innovation Quad, home to the university鈥檚 engineering and other STEM programs, and scheduled to open in Fall 2026. 乱伦视频 has set a $25 million fundraising goal to make the HealthEU Center a reality. To date, donors have contributed $23 million to the project.

鈥淭he 乱伦视频 community is grateful to Harvest Table Culinary Group for their generous support of the HealthEU Center,鈥� said Janet Williams, vice president for finance and administration and chief financial officer. 鈥淏y providing healthy and nutritious meals to our campus, Harvest Table plays an essential role in our commitment to the health and well-being of students, faculty and staff.鈥�

Make An Impact

Many naming opportunities remain in the HealthEU Center, beginning at $50,000. Gift commitments may be made in full or with a pledge over five years. To find out how you can make an impact with your gift, contact Brian Baker, associate vice president for university advancement, at 336.278.7453 or bbaker7@elon.edu.

This year, seven proposals were submitted, each addressing at least one of the six dimensions of well鈥慴eing and reflecting a wide range of innovative approaches to supporting student wellness.

Every proposal underwent a review by three members of the Student Wellness Innovation Grant Committee. Reviewers evaluated submissions based on their rationale, feasibility, innovation, potential impact, and alignment with both the HealthEU initiative and 乱伦视频鈥檚 mission to positively influence student well鈥慴eing.

The selected projects will move forward during the spring, contributing new ideas and energy to the university鈥檚 ongoing commitment to fostering an institutional culture of health and well-being.

Spring 2025 Andrew G Bennett 鈥�08 Student Wellness Innovation Grants

Beginner Barbell & Core Confidence Clinics: Mind-Body Strength Pop-Up Series

Applicant: Rachel Deegan

This project creates an inclusive, trauma-informed entry point to weightlifting where beginners can learn proper form, understand sets and reps, prevent injury, and experience the mental-health benefits of movement. By demystifying gym culture and offering a welcoming environment, the project supports students who want to exercise but don鈥檛 feel comfortable doing so independently.

Connect 乱伦视频: A Student Wellness Video Series & Engagement Initiative

Applicant: Tyler Mastrangelo

This project aims to reduce isolation and help students plug into campus life by creating approachable, wellness-centered content that encourages participation, engagement, and relationship-building. 鈥淐onnect 乱伦视频鈥� directly supports HealthEU鈥檚 mission by empowering students to make community-oriented, wellness-focused choices in their everyday lives, and by giving them a simple, fun pathway to get connected.

Sunday Reset!

Applicant: Evelyn (Lynsey) Hess

Sundays are a day of rest, organization, and preparation for the week ahead, yet many 乱伦视频 students spend them overwhelmed, isolated, or stressed by academic and personal demands. The Sunday Reset! program addresses rising stress levels, promotes healthier coping strategies, and provides students with a consistent opportunity to pause, breathe, and recharge. By integrating mindfulness, movement, and evidence-based wellness practices, this project has the potential to improve student well-being, build community and create sustainable habits that extend far beyond a single day of the week.

Law and Paws: A Yoga Event

Applicants: Tarrah Casey, Jsaela Barrow, Jennifer Carbajal, Adriana Hernandez-Ordonez, Elyanna Smith

Law & Paws: A Yoga Event is designed to create an inclusive, restorative, and physically engaging space that prioritizes mental health and wellness within the law school community. This program will feature a guided yoga session that encourages movement, stretching, and relaxation, complemented by puppy-engagement. This program aims to provide law students with a meaningful opportunity for physical rejuvenation, de-stressing, mindfulness and connection. Furthermore, this program supports the broader goals of the Inclusive Excellence Fellows to promote equity, well-being, and physical health, while reinforcing the law school鈥檚 commitment to cultivating a supportive and inclusive environment.

Student Wellness Innovation Grant Committee

• Anu R盲is盲nen, committee chair, director of HealthEU Initiatives and assistant professor
• Taylor Anderson, graduate apprentice, inclusive excellence, graduate and professional education
• Charles Evans, counselor, Counseling Services
• Matthew Dacey, graduate apprentice, Residence Life
• Leah Short, assistant director for Peer Health Education
• Marna Winter, associate teaching professor of education and associate director of the Center for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning