HealthEU Day showcases holistic wellness across campus

HealthEU Day highlighted Elon’s commitment to health and well-being through a campus-wide focus on holistic wellness. Students, faculty and staff explored the six dimensions of well-being — emotional, community, financial, physical, purpose and social — through various activities, sessions and conversations.

Held in conjunction with National Health Promoting Campuses Week, the event aligns with Elon’s effort to build a healthier campus community.

“HealthEU Day reflects our commitment to building a campus where well-being is embedded in every aspect of the student experience,” said Jana Lynn Patterson, dean of student health and well-being, associate vice president for Student Life and assistant professor. “It’s about creating an environment where students, faculty and staff are supported in thriving every day.”

HealthEU Day’s design puts that commitment into action, supporting the campus community.

“Well-being is not built in one day, but this event creates space to pause, reflect and try new practices — especially at a time in the semester when students are balancing exams, assignments and other commitments,” said Anu Räisänen, director of HealthEU initiatives and assistant professor.

Throughout the day, campus partners connected with students, faculty, and staff, fostering connections and highlighting how well-being is supported across the university.

“Our work is centered on helping students find a sense of meaning and belonging,” said Jan Register, administrative assistant in the Truitt Center.

That sense of belonging is strengthened through community.

“Being supported by a community is essential to health and well-being,” said Hillary Zaken, director of multifaith programming and engagement. “Events like this create opportunities to connect with resources and with each other.”

Campus partners hosted activities across campus, including College Coffee with campus partners, opportunities to sample, health-forward food with Elon Dining, sessions with Fleet Feet, Drum, De-Stress and Decompress, CommUnity Field Day, Pickleball Smash and the STARS Celebration.

These activities gave students, faculty and staff space to explore what well-being looks like in practice and the variety of ways to engage with well-being on campus

“HealthEU Day shows how every part of campus contributes to well-being,” said Stephanie Vaughn, practice manager. “It highlights the many ways students, faculty and staff can find support and stay connected.”

While HealthEU Day offered a moment to pause, students also reflected on how to sustain well-being in their daily lives and what it means to them.

“Wellness is about maintaining what you learn, Benji Altmann ‘26 said. “It’s eating well and staying active beyond just days like this.”

Expanding on Altman’s philosophy about wellness, Mindy Monroe ’26 stated, “Wellness is about taking time for yourself and caring for both your mind and body.”

Students also emphasized the importance of maintaining well-being while navigating the demands of college life.

“I think it’s important as a college student to keep up with your personal health and well-being,” Gigi Maiorana ‘29 said. “With classes and extracurriculars, it can get stressful, so having a day like this helps remind us to take care of ourselves.”

Staff members also emphasized that prioritizing well-being extends beyond students.

“It’s important to prioritize both student and employee well-being,” said Laura McGuire, admissions counselor. “Events like HealthEU Day highlight the different resources and support systems available across campus.”

That commitment to well-being is shared across the campus community.

“Health and well-being are a shared responsibility across campus,” said Kassidy Puckett, assistant director of admissions for event programming. “Taking time to focus on it, even for a day, helps remind us to carry those practices into our daily lives.”

As the day came to a close, a common theme emerged: well-being at Elon extends beyond a single event. HealthEU Day highlights the university’s commitment to health and well-being, which takes shape through daily habits, personal reflection, and shared care among students, faculty and staff.