Thriving together

Advancing holistic health through thoughtful wellness initiatives

previousnext

Each year, University Wellness puts on a number of intentional initiatives designed to nurture well-being for students, staff and the wider community. Engagements go beyond physical well-being to address the emotional, social, occupational, intellectual and spiritual dimensions of wellness, as well.

One recent event was the Community Health & Wellness Expo, held in late September at the Andreasen Center for Wellness. Free and open to all ages, the expo offered therapy dog visits, fire truck tours, a healthy cooking demonstration and more. Visitors had opportunities to win prizes by interacting with local businesses and with students and employees from various Andrews University health professions programs.

In addition, Andrews hosted its second annual Wellness Week from Sept. 28–Oct. 3. Daily programs included fitness classes, social events and wellness challenges. Activities ranged from classes on self-defense to cooking, doodling and a chili cook-off. Participants in the “Gym Class Heroes Challenge” earned chances to win prizes like personal training packages or massages by attending group fitness classes.

“Our goal is to provide a variety of engagements focused on well-being,” says Rachel Keele, director of University Wellness and manager of the Andreasen Center for Wellness. “Not every initiative or activity will speak to everyone, but the hope is that each person in our campus community can find an opportunity that resonates with an aspect of their wellness that they currently care about.”

“These initiatives reflect a commitment to create a sustainable culture of well-being based on Christ’s desire for us to have life ‘more abundantly’ ... ”

Looking ahead, the Andreasen Center for Wellness will host its third annual Andreasen Indoor Triathlon on Feb. 22, 2026. Participants from the campus and local community will swim in the pool, bike on stationary bikes and run on treadmills to complete the timed race.

In March 2026, students and employees can participate in the Wellness Sleep Challenge, earning prizes by creating bedtime routines and ensuring they have an adequate amount of rest each night.

Other areas on campus also actively contribute to the University’s wellness initiatives. Multiple student clubs and departments sponsor runs and walks throughout the school year to support different causes. One of the longest- standing events of this nature is the “Motion is Medicine 5K Fun Run/Walk” planned by the School of Rehabilitation Sciences. The race happens each April and raises funds for childhood education efforts in El Salvador.

Keele says, “These initiatives reflect a commitment to create a sustainable culture of well-being based on Christ’s desire for us to have life ‘more abundantly,’ as expressed in John 10:10. Through coordinated programming and cross-departmental collaboration, the University is reinforcing the message that health is holistic, flourishing is a communal journey and we were made to thrive.”