Inaugural Student Wellness Innovation Grants announced

The four Andrew G. Bennett ’08 Student Wellness Innovation Grants use different approaches to support student wellness, such as a Puppy Yoga event and a peer support program for nursing students.

The winners of the inaugural Andrew G. Bennett ’08 Student Wellness Innovation Grants have been selected. Seven proposals were received, covering a variety of topics aligned with at least one of the six dimensions of well-being.

Each proposal was reviewed by three members of the Student Wellness Innovation Grant Committee and was graded based on the rationale, significance, feasibility, innovation, potential impact and alignment with HealthEU and the university’s mission to positively impact student well-being and success.

The four funded proposals include a Puppy Yoga event, an arts and crafts service initiative, establishing a peer support program for nursing students and renovating the philosophy suite in Spence Pavilion.

“I am delighted to see that the four projects that received the highest scores cover a variety of topics and focus on different dimensions of well-being,” said Anu Räisänen, director of HealthEU Initiatives and the chair of the Student Wellness Innovation Grant Committee. “I am looking forward to this grant competition growing in the future. I believe that through the student wellness innovation grants we can identify great ideas that can be expanded into university wide initiatives future.”

“Serving on the Student Wellness Innovation Grant Committee was an exciting experience,” said Marna Winter, senior lecturer of education. “It was inspiring to see the innovative and thoughtful ideas students from diverse departments proposed to enhance wellness and support HealthEU initiatives on campus. Their creativity and commitment to fostering a healthier, more connected campus community were truly impressive.”

“I would like to thank the members of the Student Wellness Innovation Grant Committee for their work on setting up the grant competition and thoughtfully reviewing the grants,” said Räisänen. “I also want to acknowledge all the work that took place before this committee came together. We are grateful to Jana Lynn Patterson, Anita Hodnett and Charlotte Williams for their work with the Andrew G. Bennett endowment and establishing this committee.”

Spring 2025 Andrew G Bennett ’08 Student Wellness Innovation Grant Winners

Building Philosophical Community

Applicant: Morgan Seate and Phi Sigma Tau (Philosollamas)

The aim of this project is the renovation and redecoration of the philosophy suite in Spence Pavilion to transform this space into a vibrant, welcoming hub for philosophical inquiry and connection. The renovated philosophy suite will provide a space that enhances both student experience and well-being by fostering community, intellectual curiosity, and personal reflection.

Nursing Fellows Volunteer and Service Initiative

Applicant: Meredith Korwan and the Nursing Fellows

The Nursing Fellows program is committed to enriching nursing students’ clinical experience through meaningful volunteer and service-learning opportunities. This grant will support the Nursing Fellows arts and crafts program with the UNC Children’s Hospital to enhance the patient experience by creating moments of joy and normalcy as well as encourage emotional healing through hands-on, creative expression.

Nursing Student Critical Incident Stress Debrief

Applicant: Taylor Capello

The purpose of this project is to support nursing students’ mental well-being by fostering a supportive environment where students can safely express their emotions outside of an academic setting. The project comprises peer support training, regular meetings and evaluation.

Puppy Yoga

Applicant: Naomi Lockamy and the School of Health Sciences Diversity Committee

The event will combine calming yoga with mindfulness techniques to promote well-being, along with the joy of puppy therapy to boost mood and bring some lighthearted fun to a student’s day. Whether students are looking for a break from the stresses of school or seeking ways to connect with others, this event will offer a safe space for graduate and undergraduate students to unwind, practice self-care, and build meaningful connections with one another.

Student Wellness Innovation Grant Committee

Anu Räisänen, committee chair, director of HealthEU Initiatives and assistant professor
Emma Calhoun, graduate apprentice, Odyssey Program
Charles Evans, counselor, counseling services
Seth Lasher, graduate apprentice, Student Professional Development Center
Marna Winter, senior lecturer of education, Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education