The selected projects will move forward during the spring, contributing new ideas and energy to the university’s ongoing commitment to fostering an institutional culture of health and well-being.
Four proposals have been selected for the 2026 Andrew G Bennett ’08 Student Wellness Innovation Grants.
This year, seven proposals were submitted, each addressing at least one of the six dimensions of well‑being 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 Elon’s mission to positively influence student well‑being.
The selected projects will move forward during the spring, contributing new ideas and energy to the university’s ongoing commitment to fostering an institutional culture of health and well-being.
Spring 2025 Andrew G Bennett ’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’t feel comfortable doing so independently.
Connect Elon: 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. “Connect Elon” directly supports HealthEU’s 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 Elon 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’s commitment to cultivating a supportive and inclusive environment.
Student Wellness Innovation Grant Committee
- Anu Räisänen, 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