Attention to health and wellness is certainly nothing new to our University’s community. Gannon has long been recognized for academic excellence in the health professions. Our Golden Knights compete with great success and students are challenged through LIFE Core to experience and model a healthy lifestyle. In order for Gannon University to continue along the successful path we have charted, we must maintain a healthy balance and sound foundation in all aspects of what we do as an organization as well.
That is why we have taken strides to position wellness as an important pillar in our planning and programming. We have strategically implemented various initiatives, programs and even the construction of new exceptional learning environments to facilitate wellbeing within our University. This movement began with our students, faculty, staff and alumni in mind, with the goal of providing a means for those who are supporting Gannon’s Mission to lead lives infused with a more comprehensive notion of wellness.
While recognizing the importance of physical wellness, we also recognize the need to attend to all aspects of the development of our community members, including intellectual, emotional, occupational, environmental, spiritual and social wellness. These seven pillars of wellness are experienced across the University through initiatives such as the expansion of services at the Campus Health and Counseling Center to now serve faculty and staff in addition to students; the fitness classes and healthy snack and smoothie bar now open at the Recreation and Wellness Center; the expanding opportunities to express and share in our faith; and growing service and outreach to bring students and faculty together to give back to Erie and to communities across the nation and around the globe.
Hear more from President Taylor on the many ways that Gannon has created an environment for developing holistic wellness.
I have learned from my experience traveling on ABSTs and along my own spiritual journey, that taking time for quiet reflection is an important part of wellness. As we reflect on the events that have occurred even within the most recent academic years, there are many great things to be proud of on our Gannon University campuses, in Erie and in Ruskin. Through this reflection we are reminded of just how vital it is to continue our investment in ourselves, each other and our environment, to not only to maintain our recent success, but also to form even more exciting possibilities for our future.
I hope that you enjoy this issue of the Gannon Magazine in good health, and encourage you to join us in our holistic wellness focus, enriching our minds, bodies and spirits. God bless.